Christmas Break

Having Paul at home was the best Christmas present I can think of, and even though he was usually studying, we got to do a lot of fun things.

I started off the break by going to the LA Ballet's production of The Nutcracker with a friend from church. Can you believe Paul didn't want to go with me?? Weird. Instead, he volunteered to babysit Parker and have a male bonding night.

We got a Christmas tree- a real one that smelled wonderful! The last time we got a tree was in 2007 and since then I've been a Scrooge and have not wanted to spend money on one. I don't know what changed this year, but I'm glad it did. I also put up some other Christmas decorations and I love how festive our little apartment felt.

We went up to Paul's parents' house for Christmas where Parker was the only grandbaby. He got lots of attention, and was only a little fussy, which I'll blame on him having a cold. While we were there we got to spend time with friends from BYU.

Paul had his third and final interview for a dental residency and we should hear back at the end of this month. If our wildest dreams come true, we'll be in Sacramento staring in July for one year.

Paul has been studying to take Part 2 of the Dental Boards. He took Part 1 two summers ago and did very well, but it came at a price. Paul usually keeps things light and likes to joke around, but in all seriousness he refers to that summer as "a very dark time" and that studying for that test was the worst thing that has ever happened to him in his whole life. This time around the exam is pass/fail, so I think there's less pressure, but it's still been very consuming of his time.

We got some really awesome gifts this year, but I think it's safe to say that Paul's favorite is a remote control helicopter from Parker. On his study breaks, you'll find him in our garage perfecting his piloting skills. Parker prefers to enjoy the helicopter from a distance- like, out of sight or sound. If he sees or hears it, he starts to cry.

We had a really wonderful break and spent a lot of time contemplating our many, many blessings and how fortunate we've been this year. We're so excited for 2012 and all the new adventures headed our way.