The Hepworths: 12.2013

I went into this holiday season being sad and unsure of what Christmas was going to be like with such a sadness. I was reminded though of why we celebrate Christ, and why he truly is the reason for such a season. Not only his birth is celebrated but his life and all the works of his life. I'm reminded especially this season of him feeling all our pains when he suffered on the cross. I'm also reminded of eternal families and the opportunity that awaits us to have a little family of our own. We really did have an amazing Christmas, filled with so much love and service from others. I'm so extremely grateful that we were overwhelmed with things to do so that we could move a little bit forward from our sadness. Sure deep down the sadness is still there and may be for a while, but I still have reasons to feel joy.
On our drive home last night from Christmas events we decided to take a back road and enjoy some Christmas lights. It was so relaxing to do this and just think on the events of the last couple days. We talked about what our favorite moments were for the day. Of course we enjoyed time with family and our quiet Christmas morning enjoying each others gifts, But we both commented that we enjoyed the peace and comfort that we were blessed with. We both loved that we were able to smile, laugh, and just enjoy our days.

Now on to our Christmas Eve and Christmas events

Christmas Eve
Daniel had a half day at work, which was fabulous.
We ate lunch and then went and handed out some last minute neighbor gifts.
We left for Daniel's parents house for dinner and a Christmas party.
The night was so much fun, we had a pinata and then opened presents. I love watching the children open there gifts, there just so excited to open gifts. We then were able to Skype with our sister missionary in the Philippines. It was so great to see her and get to chat with her for a few minutes. We went home and crashed from the night of fun.

Christmas Day
We woke up and opened some gifts (picture to follow)
We got ready and headed down to a little breakfast/brunch at one of our neighbors home. This was going to be a breakfast for a new ward member that hadn't celebrated Christmas in awhile but ended up not being there so it was just us and our great neighbors.
Daniel's parents and brother came to see all our gifts and to visit.
We then headed back over to the Hepworth's to talk with Daniel's brother who is on a mission in Oregon. It was also great to hear from him.
We then went to my parents for dinner and games. It was great that we all could get together again on Christmas night to celebrate.
We went home and crashed again from the night of fun.