New , New Year

It's going to be an exciting New Year, with lots of new changes: newlyweds, new name, new town, new apartment (new to us), new school, new ward, new towels (that was our popular wedding present) and a new adventure!
Russ and I have mixed emotions about all of the newness-it's nice to have a fresh start together-although it's hard to let the old things go. We love the warm weather, dry roads and family close by. When saying good-bye to Kaylee, our niece through Russ' sister Kristy, she gave us each a big hug and said seriously,

"Remember you are always loved".

White Christmas

Russ and I spent our first Christmas together. It was extra special because it was also my first white Christmas-we had several inches in Diamond Valley. It was a beautiful backdrop with the Christmas tree and fireplace.
For our first Christmas I wanted to combine traditions from each of our families; so I bought gifts that represented both. It has been a long-standing Banks' family tradition to play Rook, on family camp-outs and New Year's Eve, so we got Rook cards. (During our dating it was shocking to find this out because Rook has also been played on my mom's side of the family, and it's not that common). From the Beard branch, my parents hide a pickle ornament Christmas morning, and as children we race to the tree to be the first to find the bulb. The winner receives the pickle present. So, we also got a pickle ornament to adorn our future Christmas tree.
I was very impressed with Russ, he has such good taste, he picked out a dressy coat and scarf. Moving to Provo, he knows I'll freeze:)