Is it possible that Christmas has already come and gone? Let's just say that Mia ate up every part of Christmas. I must say that she is at such a fun age. Santa brought her this rocking horse....with the works. They sure don't make rocking horses like they used to. 
We are fortunate to live so close to our families, so we were able to spend time with both. My family started a tradition a couple years ago of caroling on a hay wagon. My dad uses his 2 Percheron horses to pull the hay wagon and we go up and down the streets of Fillmore singing our little hearts out. Because is was SOOO cold that night (10 degrees to be exact) leave it up to Grandpa Roper to equip the hay wagon with a generator and a heat source (truly the only way to go).
The annual Roper Christmas party was held in Leamington this year. In previous years the whole extended family would get together for dinner, a gift exchange and some wild and crazy games. This year was a little different. We still had dinner, but instead of doing the regular gift exchange we donated food to the Food Bank of Utah. And instead of the games there was a live band and dancing. This is one party I really look forward to each year.
(Shaking a leg with Uncle Greg)
Oh.....the Christmas sweater party. I looked high and low for the perfect sweater this year. I was thoroughly disappointed with the selection the D.I. had. I spent at least an hour looking through all the racks having no luck at all. I decided to check out the kids section, when I laid my eyes on this BEAUTY. It was a little small.....okay it was REALLY small (and uncomfortable too). I guess that's the price you pay for fashion :) Bryan was a good sport this year (as he is with any sort of dress up function because we all know how much he LOVES to dress up). His sweater is a repeat from 2 years ago and he wears it oh-so-well (blinking lights and all)!
Kelly (the one with the fabulous Christmas cardigan) was the winner of this year's "Best Sweater" (voted by our waitress). This won her a piece of heavenly pie.
We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year!
Mia and I were able to spend a few days down in Fillmore last week. I find a lot of comfort in decorating Kate's headstone. I feel it's very therapeutic for me, even though I don't find much comfort at the cemetery. It's such a bittersweet thing, though, especially during the holidays. Last year, Kate was released from the hospital on the 23rd of December after being there for 3 weeks. We were so excited to have her home for Christmas, but she was still so sick that it was hard enjoying our time with her at home. On Christmas night, she ended up back in the hospital. Since losing Kate, holidays have been especially difficult for me. However, I try to reflect on the great times we had with Kate and look forward to creating new memories. Last Christmas our families, instead of exchanging gifts, decided to donate money to Primary Children's. It was such a special experience for our family. We are in the process of setting up the "Kate Rosenvall Foundation" and look forward to carrying on this tradition to raising money to help other sick children in need. 
Since the weather has been, somewhat, decent, I've soaked up every minute of being able to run outside. Mia has especially enjoyed getting bundled up layer upon layer (you'd think she would absolutely HATE it, but I don't see her complaining).
For our date night, we went and saw the movie Four Christmases. It was okay, but probably wouldn't see it again. 
Watching Finding Nemo with future BF, Shawn. 
Mia is a girl after her mommy's heart....she loves her bubble baths.
