The ward party was a lot of fun - great food, people, entertainment, and we could even bring Bentley! They had a magic show for the kids and Santa showed up. We tried to get Bentley to like Santa this year, and as much as she liked the idea of him, there was no way she was sitting on his lap! She was absolutely terrified when she got too close to him. So unfortunately no picture was taken at the party (besides our family photo by the fire), but we tried again at the mall a few weeks later and at least got a picture of her on my lap right beside Santa. Maybe next year! Bentley also got to have some fun on the slide and other things while waiting in line for Santa. Then, of course, we played at the play area in South Center which is one of Bentley's favorite places!
Jeff's staff party was also really fun. He always has a dinner put on by Raymond James that we go to, and then his own staff party. This year it was at Fred Hurdman's house and we enjoyed a delicious meal and then played the gift exchange game, where you can steal other gifts and hopefully end up with the one you want. There were a lot of nice gifts and we ended up with 2 cozy and cute blankets and some chocolates. It's always nice to catch up with his staff, as I know them all pretty well now.
Our last Christmas party was one that we had with my siblings. Instead of giving gifts to each other, we get together and do something fun. It was also extra important this year because Jocelyn and Jeff decided to move to Arizona! We are so sad about this, but we support them because we know it's best for their family so that Jeff can work, since the housing market is not good here in Calgary right now! We hope we will still see them lots when they visit in the summer and hopefully we can make some trips there. Anyways, this year we decided to try the escape room! I had never done one but Tamara has raved about them and I've seen it on TV so I knew it looked fun. We were all basically locked in a room and our goal was to get out. To get out though, you have to get into a couple other rooms and open up these lockers to help you. We started out really well in the first room and found some clues, including a black light and some writing on the ground, and opened up the first door. After that, though, we struggled and took too long. We were allowed to get hints, but we were too proud so we ended up taking too long and ran out of time! It was pretty fun though. Afterwards, we all went out to eat at Joeys. I had a lot of fun, as I always do with my siblings!!
I love the Christmas season because there's always so much to do! I also did a waffle breakfast at my house with a bunch of other young moms, went to Emily's favorite things party, and enjoyed the Nativity Pageant at Heritage Park. Bentley loved the sheep! They were all she could talk about on the ride home. It was a little chilly, but we dressed warm and Bentley didn't complain once.
We also did some baking this year and gave some goodies to our neighbors. It was great to see their happy and surprised reactions. As a family, we also decorated a gingerbread house. Bentley had so much fun putting the candy on and kept talking about it afterwards.
For Christmas Eve, we went over to Jordan and Melanie's house for some appetizers. Then we watched a short Christmas video, read a story, and opened up pajamas. They were the only family left in Calgary on my side! We had a great time.
We spent Christmas day with Jeff's family opening presents, eating breakfast, going home for nap time, then coming back for dinner. I got so spoiled this year by Jeff's parents, and my parents even left some gifts before they left for Fiji. I have such great family! Jeff even picked out some clothes and boots for me, so it was fun to see what he thought I would like. And he did good! My favorite part, though, is always giving gifts and seeing the reactions of others. Bentley enjoyed the day, but wasn't too interested in opening presents. She likes her toys and clothes, but mostly just played while we all opened. Don and Cindy also had dinner at their house on boxing day and the day after, which was Sunday. They had a ton of family over on Boxing day, and Bentley may have been a little overwhelmed at first, but ended up enjoying playing with all the kids. Grandma Ady even had them do a little "marching band" which was honestly the cutest thing I've ever seen! Sunday was also really fun, spent with Jeff's direct family and Rob and Carry's family. It was a busy few days but I love when there is lots to do and people to see because it entertains Bentley and when she's happy, I'm happy! I've really grown to love all of Jeff's family and I feel comfortable with them all. They are such great people! And let's not forget, the food was amazing! 3 big dinners and it didn't even phase Cindy.
Well we had a great year! It is now 2016 and I can't believe all that has happened in 2015. Bentley turned 1, we got settled in our Legacy home, Jeff and I got away to California, we found out I was pregnant with number 2...a BOY nonetheless, Bentley learned to walk and run, we bought a van, happy 4 year anniversary to us, Jeff has been working really hard in his business, and now Bentley is almost 2 and we are about to welcome our second child into the family! It's unbelievable. I have a love/hate relationship with watching Bentley grow. I want her to stay little forever but I also love to see her learn new things and develop. I love my family. It's the most important thing! I have a feeling this next year will be a busy one, but hopefully a really great one!!
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