Christmas Vacation

Bryan and I got to spend 11 vacation days in Utah over the holidays. It was so nice to sit back and relax for a change. We are always going, going, going! We made it a goal to go snowshoeing as much as possible, especially since we don't get much in Texas! We got to see almost all of our family and 3 new neices! I couldn't figure out the slideshow thing, so here is a whole slew of pictures!

Bryan falling asleep with Norah on his belly.
Jimmy playing with his cousins Malachi and Bridger.
Kristi opening her Christmas gift from Linsey; she made a pillow and a computer case out of the zebra fabric!

Felicity with McCartney; Felicity has grown so much since I last saw her!
Me, snuggling with Norah.

Linsey and McCartney

Amy and Michael; Amy opening a gift she already owned, but lost and we wrapped it back up and gave it to her for Christmas:) Grandma Frederickson with McCartney

Bryan in Rock Canyon, Provo

Bryan and Heber Valley

Kristi and Mount Timpanogos, American Fork

Rebekah and Rock Canyon, Provo

Dad and American Fork Canyon

Mom and Me

Bambi

Bryan got a rifle for his 27th birthday + Christmas + 27.5 half-birthday. These are the deer he shot...

This was the largest of the deer and the one we are taking to the butcher for food storage.

Bryan learned how to gut and skin the deer with some friends from the ward.

He had fun, but deer season is over. Maybe he will hunt some wild boars next.

White Coat Ceremony

Bryan can now officially see patients on his own:) Yeah! He and his classmates had a White Coat Ceremony on January 4th, the first day of his second semester/second year. He is so excited to start performing the skills learned in his classes and labs. I am excited to be one of his patients! If you want to be a patient, get new glasses/contacts, receive a new prescription, get a diagnoses ect ect, let Bryan know. The testing is free and the material (glasses, contacts, prescriptions) are discounted.

Bryan and some of his friends...

Amanda, Ruba, Casey, Ruby, Cassie

Bryan's mother came out for the special event. We had fun making Bryan walk across the stage again to get "better" pictures and having him take lots of pictures with his friends and faculty. Afterwards, we ate at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and celebrated the step forward in his schooling.

Best Present Ever!

I have been wanting one of these for awhile now. It definately wasn't in the budget...
Here is the series of me opening the best Christmas present ever! Thanks Bryan :)
Yup! It's a blender...but this is not just any blender, this is a Vita-Mix. Best blender ever!!! We were at CostCo and they were having a show. I fell in love with what all this blender could do. If your lawn mower broke, you could replace it with this engine...haha.

Bragging

Bryan is amazing! During the month of December, he helped someone from the ward build this play kitchen. He did an awesome job and the kids loved it. Maybe he'll make one for me to...someday...no this is not an announcement.

2009 Christmas Letter

(For those who may not have received a Christmas card)


This really is the most wonderful time of the year! A time to spend quality time with family, friends, and loved ones. A time to reflect upon the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. A time to enjoy the beautiful, crisp outdoors. And a time to give!

I can't believe this year has already come and gone. We have kept ourselves fairly busy with school, work, and traveling in between. Texas has truly claimed a special place in our hearts over the almost two years. Bryan started his second year in Optometry School at the University of Houston. In May, he had the opportunity to travel to Honduras with a group of doctors and optometrists to do some volunteer medical service. He loved the experience and hopes to be able to go somewhere different next year! I've been working hard at Darnall Army Medical Center. The Mother Baby Unit's kept me occupied for a little over a year, but it's about time for a change. I hope to be moved in the near future to stimulate my mind a bit more. I've also decided to go back to school and get my Master of Science in Nursing Education; can't wait to start in January!

Bryan and I have been blessed with great friends and a loving Heavenly Father over the past year. It's hard living apart from each other, but we've learned to find joy in the journey. We sincerely wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010!

Love,

Bryan and Rebekah Ahlborn