Visits from good friends

This year we had some really good friends come and visit. The most recent was the Tamai family last month. Ryan and I have been good friends since our first year at BYU. For his 30th birthday he came with his wife and two darling daughters all the way from California to visit us. It was so fun to see them and get to know his wife and daughters better. Unfortunately, Charles was gone in India during their visit so he wasn't able to join in the fun times. We tried to pack a lot into the time they had here. We went to Wet 'n Wild, City Walk, Downtown Disney, and of course down to Vero Beach. But the best part was just visiting and catching up. It was fun to watch our girls play so well with each other and to see each other as parents.

Kaella, Ryan, me, and my mom

Me, Karen, Ryan and their newest addition, Kaella

Kianna (or "Banna" as Isa called her) and Isabelle, they got along so well.

The Schars

Earlier this year we had a great visit from the Schars. Raphael and Charles were mission companions and of course I knew him too on the mission. Raphi was also one of our groomsmen in our wedding. Raphi, his wife Annika, and their daughter Linea live in Switzerland, so it was a long trip over for them. We were so grateful that they made the effort to come and see us. It's hard to live so far away from good friends. This was our first time meeting Annika and Linea, but it felt like we had known them forever. It was wonderful to have them here.

Old mission comps and their daughters

Me and Annika

While the Schars were here we spent some time down in Vero Beach. My Aunt and Uncle took us out on their boat and we went and had a cookout on an island. It was a beautiful and fun night.

Isabelle loved little Linea!

We are so grateful for good friends and the joy they bring us. Our house is always open for anyone who wants to come and visit!

Papa is home!

After 6 long weeks in India, Charles finally came home last week! We are so excited to have him back home. Everything is back the way it should be! Isabelle gave him a great welcome at the airport. She didn't want to let go of him, she just kept hugging him and hugging him. It was really sweet. With not much time left till Christmas we are trying to immerse Charles in the season with music and decorations and of course Christmas shopping. Now that he is home I am ready for this baby to come join us. One more week till she is due, but who knows when she will decide to grace us with her arrival.

Holiday Fun

Isabelle has loved this Holiday Season. Everything that has to do with Christmas she calls "Christmas." She is especially fond of big Christmas trees. She gets so excited and dances all around while screaming "Christmas." She hasn't quite gotten the idea of Santa yet, she thinks he is a "snowman," but I am totally okay with that.

After lots of crazy Christmas shopping on Black Friday, Isabelle, Erin and I headed over to my Dad's house in Melbourne. We had a wonderful visit with him and Deana. On Saturday morning we went to the Brevard Zoo. Isabelle loved it of course.

Isabelle and Erin being silly!

Isabelle checking out one of the animals before brushing it in the petting zoo.

We brought a wagon to pull Isabelle around, but she preferred to pull the wagon herself.

Isabelle loved all the birds.

Watch out Erin!

Dad and Erin

Isa and Erin hanging out at Grandpa's house.

When we got back from my dad's house we headed out to pick out our Christmas tree. Usually I always get it the day after Thanksgiving, but since we were at my dad's we didn't get it till Saturday. Isabelle was a big help on picking out the tree.

Isabelle with her Nana.

We spent a day in Lakeland with Erin. Isabelle loved this Christmas tree! She couldn't get enough of it!

All decorated!

Last weekend my Dad and Deana came over from Melbourne. We had dinner and then went to see the lights at UCF. Of course the first thing Isabelle spotted when we got there was the carousel. She absolutely loves carousels so we had to take her on it. After waiting in line for almost a half hour just to buy a ticket for the carousel, Isabelle finally got to go for a ride.

Looking at the lights with Grandpa!

What a great Holiday Season it has been. It has been sad not having Charles here with us to enjoy it, but we are definitely looking forward to him coming home tomorrow and sharing a lot more holiday cheer.