An Early Christmas Gift

This Christmas, we got one of the best presents of all a little early in the month. One of my roommates from BYU, Lynnie, and her kids came to stay with us while her husband attended a business conference. We were at their house in August, and were sooo excited to see them again so soon.

Lynnie was here for 5 days, and we were sad to see her go. Unfortunately, the week before they got there our house fell apart. Our dishwasher was leaking (again!), two different closet doors came off the hinges, and then the disposal stopped working. Lynnie's husband, John, who was at our house for just one day, convinced Adam that repairing it would be quick and easy. And it would have been...except for a few items we were missing. Three trips to Lowe's later, our handy hubbies had it all fixed. Thanks to John who was (and always is) so willing to lend a hand.

Lynnie is such a patient and loving mom. Having three kids is not easy, and I was so impressed with her as I watched her juggle everything and still make time for each child.

Connor loved having other kids around the house. Everything Ava (her four year-old) did was cool, and he and Nathan stole toy after toy from each other (as is age-appropriate at two), but still announced over and over that they were friends. And that little Elias--I have truly never seen a baby that smiles so much. Lynnie somehow always manages to come here in winter, but despite the cold, wet weather we managed to have quite a bit of fun. We went to inside buildings at the zoo, but the two year-olds still decided snuggling in the wagon was the best place to be. Lynnie was so into the stilt birds, she tried to become "one" with the animals and do as they did. (Sorry sweetie--you knew when I took this it was going on the blog!)

We also got a chance to see Santa at the library and make some fun Christmas crafts.

And..we took some time to make some tasty Christmas sugar cookies. Even little Lias helped us keep track of the spatula. And then we had a little milk to top it all off.

Connor had a little "issue" with the sprinkles, and added about half the bottle to his one cookie.

I have lived many places and had many friends, but Lynnie is one of those friends you just keep forever. She, Erin, and I were roommates our sophomore year at BYU, and we have never lost touch. After someone is your roommate, they have seen you at your very worst, both physically and emotionally, and after that you just don't have anything to hide with them. If I have something I don't feel I can share with anyone else, I know I can tell those two. Sometimes God just places people in your path to help you, and I am grateful that they have never left.

We had a fantastic time, and hope to see the Genhos again soon...in warmer, drier weather.