Christmas

I love Christmas time it is my favorite holiday. This year we really tried to talk more about the true meaning of Christmas. Every night before going to bed Haley and I sang Away in the Manger. She would stop me every so often ask questions like: Why didn't Mary have a blanket to put on her baby? Why didn't they give the baby a bed? She really was interested in learning more about baby Jesus. She knows the words now to Away in the Manger and when given the chance she will sing it over and over again.

It is a tradition in the Welch family to act out the Nativity. We usually have several Mary's this year was no exception. Haley was Mary this year and so proud of that. She rocked her baby Jesus and kissed him all while sucking her thumb. Jane shared her thoughts about her trip to where Jesus was born. While she was telling her story Haley sat mesmerized at stareing at her with big bright eyes. It was so cute to watch her.

We had a wonderful Christmas. Everyone got what they wanted, and the best part is we were all together.

Caribbean Cruise

Here I am getting behind on blogging again. Early December Mark and I went on a cruise to the Caribbean with Tami and Rob. We rushed around getting everything ready for Christmas before we left. We were lucky enough to have Nikki and Darrin come stay at our house with the kids. The kids love them so we didn't worry about them. We left Utah on the 12th at 3:00am. It was snowing and the roads were horrible. It actually made it that much better to leave! We flew to Puerto Rico and had a night there before boarding the ship. We stayed in the quaint little hotel called the Casablanca. It right in the heart of Old San Juan. Sunday we went to church, and the chapel had opened windows with huge plantation shutters. I was thrilled when I found out it was their children's sacrament meeting program. There were only 9 kids in the Primary. I can't speak spanish, but I knew exactly every word they were saying. I felt the spirit so strongly there. It was such a great experience. We toured EL MORRO which is a fort, and did I mention shopping? Tami and I dragged Rob and Mark all over Old San Juan. We were determined to find cute swim cover-ups!

We went to several islands: St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts, Barbados, Dominca, St. Lucia

In St. Thomas we went parasailing. This was my favorite thing we did. It was so peaceful floating in the air above the ocean. You could St. John's from up there. Beautiful! We also went Snorkeling.

Barbados had the prettiest beach and water I have ever seen. We had a blast playing in the ocean and relaxing on the beach.

Shopping, shopping and more shopping! We loved all the shops in every port.

The ship was so fun too. Loved the warm chocolete melting cake, loved the food period! We danced and watched shows, Tami and I even got up to Kareoke. It was so much fun, and now we are sold on cruises. Ready to go again!