Christmas has come and gone and we are experiencing what seems like one of the snowiest winters ever (starting a week before Christmas), and Darren really being aware and excited about Christmas and Santa Clause. So as we walk through the snow (a lot of snow) and frost covered days of January there is a chance of us feeling a little blue (have I mentioned that it has snowed a lot?). At these times I like to think of a James Barrie quote that is a favorite of President Thomas S. Monson, "God gave us memories that we might have June roses in the December of our lives." So this entry is dedicated to the memories we made this Christmas that will be the June roses for the Decembers of our lives for years to come.
For pictures of the below Christmas events please see the pictures to the right labeled Christmas 07.
The Lights at Willard Bay
Every year the the camping area at Willard Bay is transformed. We tried to go last year but our attempt was on Christmas eve and when we saw the line of 40 waiting cars stretching towards the freeway we decided against it. Looking to avoid a repeat of that joy we decided to go early in the Christmas season. Thankfully the crowd was very small and we were able to get right in. We had much fun that we went around three times. We especially enjoyed the Disney characters, the dinosaurs and the telling of The Night Before Christmas. We hope to have some hot chocolate and go on a sled ride next year.
Temple Square
No Christmas is complete without a Trip to temple square. With all the hustle and excitement of the the holidays any place that can slow things down and remind you what is really important is a special place. Temple Square is one of those places. The cold air nipping at your ears is not enough distract away from the peace you feel as you walk around the
House of the Lord looking at the beautiful lights, and meditating upon the simple beauty of the Christus.
Sledding
The waves of snow allowed us to go sledding various times. Including two or three times at the Burnett's house. Darren was much braver that I expected. Even demanding to go off the jumps. The biggest adventure was when we went to
Syracuse High School. This new high school about 15 minutes away has a Football field behind it and the hill going up to the bleachers was perfect. Darren again demanded to go off the jumps. Carmen even got into the game. It was all fun and games until we hit some deep snow and Darren got a nasty white wash. He had enough after that but he showed how sweet he is when after Carmen or I would slide down the hill he would come and brush the snow off of us and ask us, "hey Dada [or Mama] are you OK?"
We still got some good sledding in and had a great time.
Christmas Gift Delivery
Christmas time is most enjoyable when we share time and presents with friends and family. Over several nights we piled ourselves into the great white Explorer adventured out to play Santa Clause.It truly is better to give than to receive (I can't believe I am saying that).
Building the Snowman
Yet another benefit of the sudden arrival of heavy snow was building our first snow man with Darren and
our cute neighbor girl,Maguire Burnett. Carmen, Darren and Maguire provided the muscle to shape the incredibly awesome snowman and Kelly Burnett provided an fantastic snow man kit to finish it off.Maguire and Darren finished their fun in the snow by sliding down a hill that Carmen BUILT. Yes you read right, Carmen built a small hill for the kids to slide down. Is she not amazing? They also got their boots off to jump on the trampoline. What a great day for Carmen and the kids.
Christmas Eve 
Dinner
We are constantly trying to include more traditions from Carmen's culture. One tradition that we have had since the inception of our family is the importance of the Christmas Eve dinner orNoche Buena. The night starts with a dinner we prepare together. This year we had a delicious Pollo en Salsa Verde (chicken with Green Sauce), with carrots, rolls and dessert. After that we all chose something that we are willing to give to Jesus for his birthday. We choose things like a bad habits to give up, or Darren says he would share his toys with Jesus. Finally we set out Milk and cookies for Santa and some carrots and magic feed for the Reindeer. After that we had to get to bed so Santa would come.
Christmas MorningWe must have been good boys and girl this year because we were very blessed on Christmas day. Darren was so excited with all his presents but especially with his kitch
en, his chefs tools, and his pirate ship. Carmen was way to good to me and I was spoiled as always. Carmen also had a wonderful adventure. I setup up a scavenger hunt so she had to follow 9 clues until she finally found her present hidden in the shed in the back yard. It was so funny to watch her jump through the foot deep snow in her pajamas to the shed, open it up and see the present in a blue bag. If you are interested she got an IPOD Nano with various accessories. She would say that I spoiled her but as we all know she deserves it.
Christmas Lunch
My Mom and Dad decided to spend Christmas with my sister Teresa's house so this year instead of going to my parent's house Maren and David invited us over for a simple lunch. We were happy that my Mom and Dad were able to make Teresa's Christmas more special by being there and we felt blessed that even with my Parent's away we were able to enjoy the blessing of family. Thanks to Maren and David and their wonderful children for having us over. Darren always has a blast at their house and the food was great.
Thank you to everyone for your love and Friendship and thanks for sharing and enhancing our lives. We love you all. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Darren for Halloween wanted to be Super Why . A very appropriate costume since his power is to read.
We went out to Black Island Farms in Syracuse this year to get our pumpkins and go through the corn maze. Darren's friend and our neighbor, Meguire Burnnett, came along to make everything more fun. We were impressed at the set up that Black Island Farm had. In addition to the corn maze and the hay ride they also had a lot of fun slides.
Time for some sliding fun
Shouldn't of had those 5 donuts for breakfast.
Meguire- Action Shot
Darren takes his Pumpkin selection serious.
Darren's new favorite thing is to play mini-golf. He has a fantastic sweeping technique that usually puts him at 14 over par on each hole but who is counting? At least we know we are not. He has gotten a lot better and has started the last few times actually hitting the ball (as apposed to sweeping it) into the hole.
The Classic 10k
A great day!!!
The first half going up hill on the trail was difficult but the street portion running back was much nicer.
Truck's arrival
What is that coming out of it?
He emerges menacingly
ing attention to.
holiday for gift giving.
Then Darren placed his shoes by the Christmas tree (also a tradition) for the Reyes to leave his present in. Then he ran off to bed. The next day he discovered The Reyes had left him a book and a wrist watch.
Often as we go through life we get over whelmed or run down. Sometimes our vision gets so clouded by obstacles and clouds of life that we lose sight of our ultimate destination and even the beauty of the ground we are treading on.
many they are becoming a regular meal.
No Christmas is complete without a Trip to temple square. With all the hustle and excitement of the the holidays any place that can slow things down and remind you what is really important is a special place. Temple Square is one of those places. The cold air nipping at your ears is not enough distract away from the peace you feel as you walk around the
House of the Lord looking at the beautiful lights, and meditating upon the simple beauty of the Christus.
Syracuse High School. This new high school about 15 minutes away has a Football field behind it and the hill going up to the bleachers was perfect. Darren again demanded to go off the jumps. Carmen even got into the game. It was all fun and games until we hit some deep snow and Darren got a nasty white wash. He had enough after that but he showed how sweet he is when after Carmen or I would slide down the hill he would come and brush the snow off of us and ask us, "hey Dada [or Mama] are you OK?"
our cute neighbor girl,Maguire Burnett. Carmen, Darren and Maguire provided the muscle to shape the incredibly awesome snowman and Kelly Burnett provided an fantastic snow man kit to finish it off.Maguire and Darren finished their fun in the snow by sliding down a hill that Carmen BUILT. Yes you read right, Carmen built a small hill for the kids to slide down. Is she not amazing? They also got their boots off to jump on the trampoline. What a great day for Carmen and the kids.
Dinner
en, his chefs tools, and his pirate ship. Carmen was way to good to me and I was spoiled as always. Carmen also had a wonderful adventure. I setup up a scavenger hunt so she had to follow 9 clues until she finally found her present hidden in the shed in the back yard. It was so funny to watch her jump through the foot deep snow in her pajamas to the shed, open it up and see the present in a blue bag. If you are interested she got an IPOD Nano with various accessories. She would say that I spoiled her but as we all know she deserves it. 
