Jiggity Jig

We have returned to Philly. It seems a little more noisy than I remember and a little deeper into the bleak midwinter. But, we are glad to be home. The girls are having a grand time rediscovering their world. Every toy in the playroom was on the ground within 20 minutes of our entering the house. So far, the biggest squeals of delight were for Dad and the “Paula blankies.”

We had a wonderful Christmas. Once we got Josh out of the snow storm on the East Coast and with us in Utah the party began. The girls loved every moment of cousin time. I loved every moment of family time. We had fun playing in the snow, learning new games, reading, doing puzzles, and watching movies.

Kate conjured up all her courage to participate in the Woodford family talent show at the Christmas party. She sang “Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer” with a little extra gusto inspired by adrenaline. I, being her mother, thought it was the best performance I had ever seen. Jane performed equally as well by sleeping through the entire talent show so that I could enjoy it.

We are well reminded of what we left behind in Utah--grandparents, cousins, siblings, friends, mountains, strong wards, Dessa--and the pull they do and will always have on our hearts. It was rejuvenating to return to the West but we will try again now to make the most of our time in Philly. Thank you all for refilling our reservoirs of strength.

The girls will not soon forget their adventures with Grandpa Larry, their hot-and-cold games with Grandpa Robert, the endless stories and love from Grandma Narda and Grandma Shelly. I will not soon forget the occasional afternoon nap, the girls shopping trip to Park City, or the Woodford Girls Night out. Josh will not soon forget the feeling of life without homework and deadlines and, hopefully, the fact that he has two little girls who adore him and long for his attention.

Recruiting season is in full swing at Wharton. Every day Josh turns in applications for summer internships. Let the schmoozing begin! More importantly, may the Lord guide us and open the way for our little family.

I was able to go back to the Winder First Ward. Oddly enough, as I walked through the halls and saw all the people I know and love it didn’t seem like I had missed anything. Everything and everyone was so much the same and yet so completely different at the same time. Life...

So here we go again. The best hotel in Philly is now open for reservations again! We hope to see you soon. ☺