Christmas Actually Did Happen, Part Two

The very best part of Christmas, in my opinion, came in three parts: Camryn, Tamsin, and Eliza Taylor!  I flew out to see them and their parents and to witness Eliza's blessing just before Christmas, and I was so thrilled to meet my newest niece-let.  Mom and Jim had come the weekend before to play and meet Miss E, Dad had arrived a day or two prior, and I was bringing up the rear of the Moore-Muir caboose. I got in and didn't get to see Baby C or Baby T (they were snuggled all warm in their beds), but DID get to meet Darling Precious Niece #3.  And that was the bestest thing ever.

Auntie Katie and Eliza Genevieve Taylor meet each other:

Late that night, while shivering because the airline had let my luggage sit in the snow so all my socks were soaked, I heard crying and thought I'd go investigate.  The culprit wasn't Eliza, but Tamsin!  I lifted her from her bed and told her Auntie Katie was here, would she like to sit and rock for awhile?  She nodded and we cuddled in the rocking chair for a bit.  Poor Camryn came out, whispered "Mommy?" and quickly discovered the Doppelgänger.  Horrified, she dropped to the floor and started sobbing for her mother, refusing to be consoled by an Aunt Katie hug.  ("Hey, Tamsie doesn't seem to mind - look how happy she is on my lap!")  I summoned a sleepy Karl and he tucked the girls back in bed.  Not quite the reception I was hoping for from the bereft Camryn, but at least Tamsin seemed glad to see me!

Snuggling AND reading?  What could be better??

Grandma administers to a lady in need of new pants:

"But I don't want to read a book, Pop Pop!"

"Well, all right - as long as it is with you."

A long-legged Camryn is entranced by a movie:

When she is sleeping, Eliza does it so peacefully!

Ready for her blessing with her dad.  Eliza is dressed in a blessing gown made by Grandpa Tim!

Newly blessed, Eliza is held close by her mom.

It was so wonderful to be surrounded by family, Karl and Megan and the Taylor girls, Mom and Jim, Dad, and Uncle Erwin and Aunt Dene down from Bountiful, and friends of Karl's that I haven't seen since just after my mission, but with whom I felt right at home, to hear blessings pronounced upon a wee head by her father on earth from her Father in Heaven.  It is a special moment, a powerful moment, and a sacred moment where Heaven and earth touch.

Outside a chilly winter evening reminded us of the glories of nature - and the blessings of being tucked warm into a new home with our loved ones:

Other adventures were in store, and we Moore-Muir-Baldwin-Taylor clan braved the elements to explore the City Creek Mall in Salt Lake City, brimming with Christmas cheer.  The girls were delighted to frolic even though I was reminded once again that while I miss Utah, I do not miss freezing temperatures and slush.  But it really was beautiful!

Exploring Nordstrom's with Pop Pop and Grandma (gosh, this evokes memories with my own grandma!).  

"Woah, check out this pillar!"

"Hang onto my stuff, Grandma - I need to check this out, too!"

Tamsin "picking" the über-cool berries at Nordstrom's - the whole place feels like a fairy wonderland at Christmas!  (I need those bushes.)

We got famished after a bit and foraged for food at the pretty darn terrific food court.  Awesome!  Well, Eliza slept through the whole thing - nonplussed, are we? - but the rest of us had a blast.

Restoration Hardware with Megan and Dad:

I require this chair:

Megan and I always did have a thing for eyewear....

Lighting, please....

Can I furnish my entire house in RH stuff?  Sheesh, that place is hyper-cool!

Eliza generally likes her bath and enjoys the warm, soapy water.  She does not, however, appreciate being cruelly ousted from it and makes her displeasure known!

 

Eliza is mollified by a kiss from Mom:

One thing she never argues with is Grandpa Tim's lap!

I can see why it's hard for Megan to leave the house each day - to paraphrase Celine Dion, "It's all coming clear to me now...."

Camryn is summoned to put her coat on, dragging her feet (in really cute shoes):

"It's time for coats, I mean it!"

"Why is one of my books missing?" Coat is shucked while candy is popped in mouth....

"Mommy's book goes there."  At least Tamsin's coat is actually on.  But we have only one of two blankies present....

Meanwhile, Eliza is the perfect model of readiness:

By the time my last night rolled around, my heart was broken to bid my darling girls farewell.  Eliza waved her arms at me as I told her how much I loved her and would miss her.  I don't know how I've survived saying goodbye to three nieces - I think niece-sized chunks of my heart are permanently gone.  It's amazing I'm still here.

Good-bye, sweet Eliza Genevieve!  Take care of your sisters, mom, and dad for me!  I'll miss you so!