Disneyland Days

Ever since Abbie left on her mission, Dad informed us that when she got home we'd be celebrating her return in one of the best ways possible-with a trip to Disneyland!

Now, if you don't know the London family let me just try to help you understand: To say that we like Disneyland is a giant understatement. We love Disneyland, and pretty much all things Disney.

(Have I ever told you I'm a Disney Scene It Champion-I've never lost a game)

So, we were all very excited to get to celebrate Abbie's homecoming with a fun, Disney, family vacation. And Nate was excited to finally see just why we love it SO much.

(Hint: Mom gets wild)

We spent three days in the park, including Abbie's birthday. We loved exploring Radiator Springs, eating delicious food, laughing at hilarious little kids, meeting some real characters, and of course riding the rides! Cue the photo overload....

(Nate was in awe)

I have always love Disneyland, but I have to admit-I've never been happier at the Happiest Place on Earth than I was during this trip. I got to go with this guy for the first time, and it made all the difference. It was so happy to be surrounded there by my very favorite people. I was the happiest girl, in the happiest place, and I am so glad we got go!

Look Whose Home!

THIS GIRL!!!

After 18 long months Sister London finally returned home with honor on January 13th! It was a day that was highly anticipated by us all....

The Airport Sign Committee:

The Emotional Parents:

The Hysterically Excited Sisters:

After what seemed like hours, we finally got a glimpse of our girl at the top of the escalator. We then proceeded to cheer for her to hurry herself up, and give us some hugs! We couldn't get enough of this beautiful girl!

It was so nice to finally have the whole family together. This was our first family picture-as a family of six! Just look how big those smiles are!

Words can't really express how I felt about Abbie coming home. Those last few minutes at the airport I was so hysterically, excited. I was giddy! I have always been close to my sisters, but I feel like I've become even closer to both of them during the past 18 months. I was so excited to finally get to see my favorite missionary, after spending so much time writing her, and getting to know her better. She has grown so much during her mission, and I was so excited to get to know this more grown version of her better. 

The giddiness still hasn't worn off, almost a month later I still get so excited when I get a text from her. (She can text me now!! It's awesome!!)

I'm so proud of you Sister London. You were one amazing full time missionary. You inspired and encouraged me with your example. However, I'm so happy that you are home! I love you baby girl!!

2015

Any new year that starts with these people, delicious food, and giant confetti poppers is bound to be a great one.

Here's to you 2015-you beautiful, mysterious adventure.

2014: The Beginning of Happily Ever After

2014 was easily the best year of my life. I fell in love with the Oregon coast, (sort of) learned to drive a stick shift, caught my first fish, climbed a mountain, and got married. Most importantly though, I did all of these things with my best friend. I will always remember this year vividly-the year I became Nate's wife, and we started this wonderful, crazy, happy adventure together.

January was the month we took engagement photos. I was so excited, but nervous, all at the same time. We had a blast in the snow though, and dreaming about our future cabin in the woods.

February was the month we addressed, stuffed (thanks for the help Megan) and sent hundreds of wedding invitations only to find out  that address we listed as our reception location was wrong, and was in fact the address to a funeral parlor. Luckily Nate had me laughing about it in no time.

March was the month I went to the temple for the first time, and then we returned together and got married, for time and all eternity. I'm so glad he is mine forever.

April was the month Nate finished school, and we headed to Oregon for an open house and a costal honeymoon. When we first reached the coast it was pouring rain, but I wanted to see the ocean-so we went straight to the coast, and ran out onto the beach in the pouring rain. It was one of the happiest moments of the entire year.

May was the month Nate spent on a field study in Southern Utah. I went down for a quick weekend visit- thanks to car troubles I got an extra day with Nate, and it only cost $$$ in car repairs.... Nate and I spent the weekend walking St. George, and honestly I've never enjoyed a trip to St. George more.

June was the month we fell in love with BBQ-ing, our garden, and bike rides to the creamery. It was also the first time we went to a wedding since being married, and it made me love my husband even more.

In July we celebrated the 4th with Carrie Underwood, and the 24th by scaling Timpanougous. Two miles in my soles fell off my shoes, and my always prepared husband was able to duck tape them back together. I'm sure grateful for my Eagle scout.

In August Nate graduated. We celebrated by going camping together for the first time-with the entire Rau family. I fell in love with the fog in Trinidad California and thanks to patience from my husband, I caught my first fish.

When September came I was very excited to celebrate my favorite season. Nate got on board with my  idea for the Annual Rau Family Fall Fest, and gave me the greatest gift-a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils. What a keeper, huh?

In October we made Halloween cookies, carved pumpkins, explored a corn maze and completely enjoyed teaching our primary class.

November brought our first Thanksgiving with the Londons. I made the marshmallow sweet potatoes Nate's crazy about (more marshmallows than potatoes) and we both scored some great Black Friday deals.

Last, but not least, December brought us our first Christmas together. We hung up Christmas lights, decorated our home, drove around to see lights, and stuffed stockings. We celebrated our own Christmas, just the two of us, and then headed to Oregon for the real day.  

It was honestly, the happiest year of my life. However, I have a feeling that 2015 is going to be another great one. What makes me most happy though is that no matter what 2015 holds, I'll have Nate there with me through it all. With a best friend like him, any new year is sure to be a happy one!

Merry Christmas Darling

This year was mine and Nate's first Christmas together. Last year, just a week after proposing, Nate went home to Oregon for Christmas. I missed him a lot, but I would get the biggest smile remembering that I would never again have to celebrate a Christmas without him. And I have to say, Christmas with Nate is the very best!

This year, Nate and I were blessed to celebrate three different Christmases! First, on December 23 we celebrated our own little Christmas-where Santa came early to stuff our stockings! We were both so excited to wake up and give each other the gifts we'd picked out! It was the very best Christmas of my life- and it technically wasn't even Christmas day.

That night it was off to Bend, OR where we spent the next five days celebrating Christmas with the Raus. We were blessed with beautiful snow, great food, and even better company! We were so excited to see Nate's parents, siblings, and all the nieces and nephews. It was a lovely Christmas. I'm so grateful for such wonderful in-laws who made my first Christmas away from home so happy.

On Sunday we got back to Salt Lake, and after a delicious dinner with my family we opened presents and celebrated our third Christmas with them. It was so fun to hang out with all of them, hear about their Christmas, and exchange gifts. It was hard to be away from them on Christmas for the first time in my life, but they were so kind to save some of the celebrating for when Nate and I got home. It was a wonderful night!

Lucky for us, the celebrating isn't over! 4th Christmas will be on January 13th-when this girl gets home. We saved a few presents, and the decorations are still up for that day,  and I have a feeling it will be a very exciting celebration. 

I can easily say that this was the happiest Christmas, and Christmas season of my life. It didn't have anything to do with gifts, or presents-but had everything to do with who I spent it with-Nate. I'm so glad that I get to spend all my Christmases, and all the days between, with him.