Ahhhhh.....

Inhale

If it were possible for your soul to take a deep, cleansing breath...

Mine finally did this week.

It's been rough at work the past few weeks but then at the end of it all, I attended our leadership meeting at a beautiful hotel in Florida. (it's amazing the deals you can get in Florida during hurricane season!)

The lobby of the Ft. Lauderdale Westin Diplomat, all decked out for Christmas

and Hanuka

Holiday palm trees

This was the view of the pool that night from my hotel room

I slept with the balcony door open and listened to the waves crashing all night. Sigh...

This is what I woke up to:

I went for a walk along the beach before my meeting. Oh how I wish I could do that every day.



Found a few new friends along the beach

It was 85 degrees there instead of 30 degrees back home. I wish Joshua could have been with me to enjoy a few moments in paradise. It was still pretty great.

Exhale.

And then there was light

If there has to be winter in Utah, at least we have the lights at Temple Square. I always remembered them much more brilliant when I was small.

They're still fun to see and a great tradition that we were happy to share with Gina, April, James, and the little people this year.

Kellan looks like he's caroling...

We went the day after Thanksgiving and OH the crowds! April, you better know I love you. I braved those crowds just for you...

Okay, you and the view... (My apologies to Shannon, my professional photographer friend who hates photos taken on cell phones. This was the best I could do.)

I didn't get any pictures at the square with little Max, but here he is at dinner. What a scrumptious little smile.

It was a beautiful night and I was happy to share it with my wonderful husband who braved the crowds and walking in the cold...with a bad back. Love you babe.

forever and ever.