Whirlwind

I don't think that is a very original title for a post, but it is exactly what it has felt like since last posting. Some of our highlights have been: (Lots of random pictures to follow)
-Helen and Molly really enjoyed dancing in the Nutcracker. They were pretty darn cute if I do say so.
-Uncle Alex returning home on Christmas Eve from his mission in Boston. What a great uncle and we feel so lucky to live next door to him.
-We had a great Christmas and it was a joy to hear from so many friends and family by Christmas card. You all look great!
-We had our first Dr's appointment for this new baby and confirmed that there truly is a baby and that the "sick and tired" was for a good reason.
-Matt and I stole a couple of days to ourselves in Sedona AZ--So beautiful and so relaxing. Then we went and got the kids and let them enjoy Sedona, too. The red rock and hikes were fun as well as the Verde Canyon railroad ride where we saw bald eagles in the wild! There was a heated pool, too, so Laura tried out her new pair of 'gobbles'. Isn't she edible?

-We had a Layton Family Reunion to Disneyland at the end of January. All 57 of us (My parents, brothers and sisters, spouses and kids) were there. Even the Green Beans joined us-and I guarantee their trip was a crazier whirlwind. Helen, Molly and Olivia were so brave to go through Jedi training and had to face off with Darth Maul--Yikes. Rachel thought she was in Heaven when she got to drive the Autopia car. And Laura was the only brave one to visit Pooh Bear. Thanks Granny and Opa for the great Christmas present!
-We found out that we are getting a BOY baby in our home! That is one way to throw things off at our household. Matt has the naming privlege and so far he has come up with Edson, Eds for short, after his own middle name, which is after his Grandfather who will be 101 in April.
-My sister, Jen, her husband and their 6 kids moved into our basement while they are trying to sell their home. We are having a great time. I don't think Jen and I have laughed so much in all our years. We also have enjoyed the benefits of 2 cooks to plan/prepare meals, and just be adult company during the day. It is a true joy. Busy, but a joy.
-My dear cousins Liz and Tyler Dennison lost their baby boy, Baby Jake, who was born with severe heart problems only 3 weeks earlier. I admire this brave, sweet and faith filled family for the manner they have dealt with this. At the funeral last week I witnessed the hand of God literally lifting and carrying their family when much of their own strength was sapped. I love you guys.
-On a lighter note, Matt took me to the ballet Romeo and Juliet for Valentine's day. It was a fun night out. I feel oh so lucky that Matt will take me to the ballet! It was a double bonus with the Phoenix Symphony live, as well. Matt sure knows how to get to my heart! Me on the other hand, I made a smokin' dinner with steak, bacon wrapped asparagus, caprese salad and Rhodes rolls (thank heaven for those) and then we had my siblings over for chocolate and caramel fondue. YUMMY!
-We have a big surpise due to come to our home, so that is the cliff hanger to make you want to visit again, and to make me post more often than every 4 months!