Just The Two Of Us: California Christmas

It's so hard to believe that it's already January and, not only that, the year 2015!!! Time just continues to make it's way without stopping. There has already been so much change these past couple of years, in a good way of course. :)

A quick update about what's going on with the Wheelers. Collin just started his very LAST semester of classes at BYU! He said that it's going to be a very hard semester, but luckily, his last. :) Graduation is just around the bend for him!! He is still working at OIT (Office of Information Technology) for BYU and loves it. Yes, he is still applying for various jobs in his IT major. We are both keeping our faith and praying that he will find a job that he will enjoy and pays with great benefits. For me, I enjoy working at my job. We are continuing to get more kids as the school year goes on. On some days, it seems challenging, but I feel very fortunate to have this job and to grow from it. I also work as a nanny on occasions.

We had another wonderful, memorable Christmas this year together as a couple. This time, we went to our homeland of California. We drove there with Collin's brother Miles and his wife Mikaela. It was quite an adventure driving, but I was grateful that we made there safely.

For the first week of break, we stayed at my dad's place. I was glad to come home to see this... :)

Our Christmas stockings with our names on them. My stepmom Patty is amazing! :)

One of the first things we did when we got to California was go to my sister's place. There, Collin met our niece Abigail for the first time. It was really adorable to see them bond. Abbey loved her Uncle Collin. She would smile, giggle, and was fascinated by everything Collin would say to her.

I LOVE this precious photo. Collin is good with babies. :)

Later, we looked for a Christmas tree. After all, what is Christmas without a Christmas tree? :) We ended up getting a real one with the amazing smell of pine and the perfect size. It looked even more beautiful after we decorated it.

It has definitely been a series of reunions when were back in the area. We got to see some of Collin's high school friends at a get together one night. We had fun just catching up with what everyone has been up to these past few years. I knew some of Collin's friends so it was a great time.

Not bad for a group selfie. :)

On the eve of Christmas Eve, we got to see my sweet grandmother in a care facility where she is living. I was happy I was able to give her a nice sweater for Christmas. She has Alzheimer's so she doesn't speak as often as she used to. But I felt her sweet presence there and that meant the world to me.

Collin and I with my grandma Carter. She is looking well. :)

My dad with his mom. Such a sweet picture!

Christmas Eve was a little low key due to the fact that Collin got sick. I went to Target to get him ginger ale and saltine crackers since he was feeling nauseous. Poor guy had some kind of stomach bug. He spent all day in bed trying to get over whatever he had. While Collin stayed in bed, I would spend time with my dad and Patty and take care of him when he needed it. Later, I went to my mom's and spent time with her before Christmas day.

When Christmas day arrived, we got up early to get ready to open presents. We spent that morning with my dad and Patty. My sister Kelsey and her husband Jordan arrived with their little daughter Abigail to open presents with us. We received so many wonderful gifts this year. I received really nice mugs from Patty. They had a "W" on each of them. So pretty! Collin gave me pretty earrings and a necklace to go with them. He also gave me really nice lace shoes that I have wanted for a long time. Collin received a bow tie, creative, funny t-shirts, and two little toy guns that make sounds. Afterwards, we ate some delicious cinnamon rolls that Patty made.

Later in the afternoon, we went to my mom's to spend Christmas with her. Jordan, Kelsey, and Abbey came too. Anyone who knows my mom well knows that she will make enough food to feed an army. She made a yummy ham feast and many other amazing dishes. Collin was still not feeling well, but at least he got to eat my mom's soup. After dinner, we opened presents. Mom gave Kelsey and I wonderful make-up that will last for a long time. She gave Collin a desk organizer for when he gets a job, which will come in handy. :)

I can't believe there is still so much to say about our trip. I will talk about our New Years in my next post. I leave you now with these memorable pictures from Christmas.