Christmas is Coming!

Here we are just about two weeks away from Christmas.  It will be very different to be away from family - and you know how big family is with us.  But sometimes it is good to change things up; it makes you appreciate what you already have.
The semester is over here as of today.  It is our last forum lunch today and all that is left is to prepare breakfast next Monday-Wednesday.  Then we are basically off until late January.  That should give us a good amount of time to get ahead on lesson preparation.  It may even allow us to focus a little more on the Christmas season.  That would be nice.
We have Elder Clayton coming to the mission today through Saturday and it will be nice to listen and learn.  We will be present on Friday morning and Saturday afternoon, as he has to go to Tijuana Friday afternoon and Saturday morning to participate in the dedication of their temple.
The last few weeks have included a visit by Kristina and family for Thanksgiving.  It was nice to have family for that holiday.  We had a great time with them.  Pete had a wonderful time with our missionaries - he impressed them as much as they impressed him!  He wants to Facetime them, but we had to break it to him that it won't happen because of mission rules.  One thing is sure, Pete will be a great missionary - the kid has no fear.  Then again, I wonder if fear comes to us more as we age when we become concerned with our status with others.  Whatever is the case, we must overcome that fear as we participate in missionary work.  Faith overcomes fear.
Speaking of family visiting, we are finally through with Legoland for the time being.  It is great to watch our young grandchildren enjoy the things there, but for us old folks it can get old.  It will be good to have a break. The zoo was fun again - I don't know that I can become tired of going there, it is always entertaining.

Even Jacob enjoyed Legoland!

We were also able to run up to Disneyland for a day and have some time with my brother Jim and his family.  It was fun to talk with all of them and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Disneyland.

It was a quick trip though as we had to get back to San Diego by 9:30 the next morning - and you know Southern California traffic.  Well, maybe you don't but it is crazy busy sometimes. 
On the mission front, we continue to totally enjoy the YSAs and their many activities.  From Hungry, Hungry Hippo to indoor soccer they are an active bunch.

While the young missionaries get right into it, we seniors understand our limitations.  The body doesn't work like it used to.  We are still helping in fellowshipping efforts with investigators as well as recent converts.  That is a joy in and of itself.
Even though we will have about a month break there will be a lot to do around the Institute.  We need to give it somewhat of a facelift and organize things a bit better.  We hope to spend the time making sure that we are ready to roll as school resumes. 
As I think about Christmas and this blessed season, I am grateful for our Savior.  He truly did what we could not do for ourselves.  Without Him life would be worthless, but with Him it is priceless.  As a father I can sense the desire of having your children progress and be a part of your life.  Our Heavenly Father's greatest desire is for our salvation and exaltation.  Without the sinless sacrifice of His eldest son it would not be available to us.  What a wonderful blessing to be members of His church and have the ordinances necessary for exaltation.  At this season we wish you all the happiest and merriest of Christmas'.