Happy New Year!

Over the past few weeks we have really enjoyed the spirit of the holidays and spending time with family and friends. We ended up going back to Middleton for Christmas and spent a few days with mom, dad and Cody. If our family continues to grow I'm not sure how we're going to keep going back. I had to put roof racks on our car and then borrow a friend's cargo hauler just to get all our stuff over there. Last year we made it without any problems......but it's amazing how much space a 12 lb baby takes up! We may have to invest in a 15 passenger Econo Van for future travels.
It has become a family tradition to go out to dinner and then go look at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. It's fun to see the kids' excitement and know that they can hardly wait for morning! We've found that one of the only restaurants open on Christmas Eve is a Chinese place called the Twin Dragons in downtown Boise. So for the past few years when we are in Boise we all go out to dinner at the Twin Dragons and then go look at the wealthy people's Christmas decorations on Quail Ridge. By the time we get back home the kids are tired and ready for bed. This year was no different, we had a great time and the snow falling really for the first time made it feel like Christmas. It seems that we are always so busy with life that Christmas comes and goes without really being able to sit down and enjoy it like we did when we were younger.
Christmas day came and went. The kids all got at least something that they asked Santa for. All the preparation for Christmas and then it's over......in about 7 minutes! But wait......Black Friday 2! Although she didn't get up early Summer enjoyed taking advantage of the after Christmas sales. Nobody was seriously injured....we think. The girls, Cody and I took advantage of the good snow and found some good sledding hills close by and Aidan enjoyed just being spoiled by Grammy.
After spending a few days in Middleton we made it back home in time for the new year. I had to work New Year's Eve so Summer took the girls to a movie and I don't think any of them managed to stay awake to ring in 2009.
Looking back at 2008 we have so much to be grateful for. In March Summer and I were married and sealed for time and eternity to our kids in the Idaho Falls temple. In July we enjoyed a great family trip to Las Vegas and in October Aidan J was born healthy and safely.
Today I had the opportunity to give Aidan his baby blessing and name in sacrament meeting. Summer had been stressing a little because she has heard of father's getting up to bless the baby and then being prompted by the spirit to change the child's name. Well......if you know Summer then you'll also know that I have had alot of fun playing that card! "......and the name which you shall be known by will be Justin Junior .........." or "....Maximus Urlacher Dance......" "But Honey, the Lord told me to........" Could you imagine? Thankfully for me it's still Aidan J Dance. Anyways, thanks to all who participated in the blessing.
Well after enjoying a great 2008 we look forward to the things to come in 2009. Hopefully that includes lots of new memories with friends and family! Until next time.....Stay classy San Diego.







I had to borrow some of dad's sweet snow gear!