Happy Thanksgiving

December is such a busy month. Every year I tell myself I am not going to stretch myself thin and get all Christmas projects and preparations done early, with as little money as possible spent too I need to add, but it never seems to work. Thankfully I love it!
Thanksgiving was so AMAZING this year. Derek's parents gave us some points from their time share (I don't know exactly how it works but I know it was very generous of them and we SO appreciated it!). We stayed in a brand new resort in Carlsbad. We invited my family to come and stay with us. We had a two bedroom, two bath, and fully equipped kitchen. This was my first year making Thanksgiving dinner and it was so much fun! I loved planning and preparing and then cooking with my Mom, two of my sisters, and of course Derek! We had so much fun enjoying the pool, tennis courts, playing ping-pong, going to the beach, attending the San Diego temple, seeing the beautiful sites of Cabrillo National Park, and visiting the Zoo!
-The View from our Resort-

-The Resort-




-The Resort Entertainment-


-The Zoo-
Who knew that they take the Cheetah for a daily walk and that her companion is a dog? (pictured is her caretaker- not the dog :))


-The Beach-


-Cabrillo National Park-





There really is so much to be thankful for. I feel especially overwhelmed with gratitude this year for my family members, for having good and caring friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ and for having a healthy and thriving little boy. I am also grateful for how much I have grown this year. This year has truly been, for me, one of strengthening. Thank you to all my loved ones!