The longest post ever!

Now that the holidays are winding down I am getting a chance to sit down at the computer and actually put together a post of what happened the last week and a half. It has been a busy week with the holidays and Dillan's birthday all at once.

We spent the week at my mom's house in Sandy. My sister Sarah, Ramiro, and Gillian were there all week as well. It was fun to see how Dillan and Gillian interacted with each other. She is almost 7 months older than Dill and she teaches him a lot. The deal this week was that she would teach him to walk and he would teach her to do the stairs (up and down). He did his end of the bargain, but he isn't walking so I guess they spent too much time on the stairs. He did take a few steps each day on his own, but he is chicken to do any more than that. He is now walking long distances with you holding only one hand though. He will also push anything he can around the house.

We spent the 23rd downtown looking at the lights. I, unfortunately, didn't get anything but this picture of the temple. I didn't think about it until we were ready to leave. But, it is a great picture if I do say so myself. We met my brother Jared, Peggy, and Iris down there as well. Iris (3) gave us a great rendition of This Little Light of Mine while we walked. We saw the sister missionary choir, saw the "Holy Cow" according to Iris, and enjoyed the lights.

Monday night, though it was Christmas Eve, was spent watching the Chargers/Broncos game. It was intense only because Jeremy and Ramiro are avid football fans and of course on opposing sides for this game. Gillie even sported her own LT jersey along with her papa. Jeremy stood strong on wearing his Bronco gear (despite the teasing that he should change shirts at half time). Go Chargers!!!

Christmas was great. We got up and opened stockings and made avbelskivers and butterscotch balls for breakfast. We opened presents once every one else got up. Dillan doesn't quite get it yet. He rips the paper, but in little pieces and then just wants to play with it. Good thing we only got him a stocking (socks, onesies, bath toys, a ball, and shoes) and one big present. We have learned that putting together presents the night before is best. You would not believe the assembly required on some things. Dillan got a jumping zebra, which he loves and will grow into for more fun, a firetruck, and a ride-on zebra (coincidence that they are both zebras). He had a great Christmas. Jeremy got a Zune and a new car stereo. I got a new XM radio and a fabulous shopping spree Dillan free!

We spent the next few days playing and shopping and seeing family. Wednesday night we all got together at my brother Aaron's and he and Jenn made a great dinner for all of us. My uncle Tom and Ruben were even in town from Brazil. Everyone was there and it was loud, but good.

Friday was the big day! Dillan is now a one year old little boy. We made arrangements for all the grandkids to meet downtown at the Children's Museum. It was a lot of fun. It was really busy but everyone had a good time. We will definitely go back once school is back in. Dillan got a little people garage, and some cool pjs for his birthday. Thanks Sarah and Ramiro...Dill loves them and is wearing them as we speak.

Instead of making a cake for his birthday we made cupcakes. He had one a few weeks back at cousin Emmitt's party but we scrapped the frosting off first. We gave it to him, sprinkles and all, for his big day. He loved it! By the time he was done there was cake everywhere and frosting all over his cute little face. He washed it all down with a lot of water from his cup.

We came back home Saturday evening and we are glad to be home. We love the holidays because we get to see people we don't see very often and get to play like crazy. It will be nice to get back to a normal routine again. Merry Christmas and Happy New year to everyone! We love you guys and all that you do for us.