CHRISTMAS

Before I get to Christmas stuff, let me tell you how the 22nd went. I had the day off from work so Keaton and I decided to spend the whole day together. In the morning, we drove into the city to meet with his friends and we went Christmas carolling at the University of Alberta Hospital. (Keaton's uncle works there, so we were able to sing to senior patients)

After that, he and I went to the mall because we wanted to go skating, but we couldn't since they didn't have any skates in my size to rent. We went to the food court and got lunch instead. We also finished up some Christmas shopping. We decided to go see Rogue One again, and it was definitely better the second time! After chilling for a bit, we drove to Spruce Grove for the church's nativity pageant, and that was good. Two of his roommates were in it so we were able to support them. 

We drove back into the city to meet with our friends Brandon and Carissa Hardesty at the Alberta Legislature grounds to see all the Christmas lights they have there. 

I did have my suspicions. When we arrived, Keaton pulled the ukulele bag out of the trunk of my car. He said it was to play Christmas songs. Then as we were walking, Brandon stopped and said he wanted to take Carissa to a spot where they had their first date. Keaton and I went up to our own spot and sat down for a few minutes. We stood up again because we were so cold. Little did I know, Brandon and Carissa and her sister Savannah were sneaking around to a different spot with cameras ready. We sat down again and Keaton got the ukulele out and tuned it. He told me he had a song to play and it was going to be a big one. It was so personal to us and I love every song he sings to me. And when the song was done, he reached into the ukulele bag and pulled out the ring box. He got down on one knee in front of me and said, "Kayla Fraser, will you marry me?" 

At this point, my eyes started to tear up and my hands covered my mouth. I nodded at first, then said yeah and yes! I almost went into more crying but he said it was all okay.  Then I told him he had been holding the box upside down and he burst out laughing. We stood up and hugged and kissed. Our friends then emerged from the tree they were hiding behind and watched as he put the ring on my finger. And that's how it all happened!!! 
Savannah took some more pictures of us with the lights. *Also, big shout out to Carissa and Brandon and Savannah for being here to help us! It was so nice of them!*
Keaton and I left to go to Sherwood Park and tell his family. I called home on the drive and told dad our news. 

But here's another good thing; I had to wait to tell my mom because Alyssa had gone into labour with baby Pinsent!! I texted mom and told her to call as soon as she got a chance. By the time she did call, we were at home and I told her we got engaged and she told me that baby boy Pinsent had been born. Keaton and I were so happy to learn *our* nephew had came into the world. He came a bit early, but has been doing well! 

Although I haven't met him yet, I love little Haig Arthur Pinsent so much. 

I can't wait to be such a good auntie to him. 

Parenthood looks good on Alyssa and Haig <3

Okay, now Christmas! I didn't work on Christmas Eve, so we watched A Muppet Christmas Carol and we were able to go to Nana and Papa's for food and games. We were also tracking Santa's whereabouts. We came home and watched "It's A Wonderful Life" together.

Christmas morning we got up and got to open our stocking presents. We had breakfast together and then opened the rest of the presents! We also all got matching sweatpants that we wore in the morning.We all got ready for church and had a good meeting. A lot of Keaton's friends came to congratulate our engagement, which was super nice of them! After getting home, Keaton and I video called my parents and we talked about our Christmases and little baby Haig. We then had all the family over for turkey dinner. 

I guess I should mention how big our group is: There's me, Keaton, his parents, Theo and Kenzie, Courtney and Tom and Austen. Also, Nana and Papa and some of their Australian family, Sandy, Allan, Annette, Jeremy, Kieran and Kelly. We had quite a big group. 

But dinner was great! After dinner, we played games after and we had Christmas carollers!

On Boxing Day, the mall was open and IT WAS CRAZY BUSY. That is all I have to say about that.

On the 29th, Jackie and I drove to Hinton to meet with Keaton and Austen and Eldon since they had left on the 27th to snowboard in Jasper. When they came to meet us, we went to the hotel pool. Then changed and went to Mr. Mikes for dinner for Uncle Tyler's birthday. We had him and Aunt Lisa and their four boys, and the Aussies joined us. We went back to the hotel for cake that Jackie made and played some more games and chatted. Keaton wasn't feeling well, so he rested for a bit and we then watched "Wreck It Ralph" on TV before going to bed. 

On the 30th, we drove to Jasper National Park for a hike at Maligne Canyon. And although it was cold, it was really sweet! We climbed down and got to see frozen waterfalls. We also stopped at the lake nearby to look at a sun dog. We drove to Pyramid Island to see the mountains there too. While on the hike though, Tyler and Lisa's oldest son fell and broke his wrist, so they went to the hospital in Jasper. We went also to take the rest of their boys out for hot chocolate and to walk around a bit. We stayed at the hospital to see what the doctor would say. Lisa told us to head back to Hinton and they came shortly after. We had dinner in Hinton and then started to head back to Edmonton. 

Onto New Year's Eve, I had to work until 8. Keaton and his family went to see fireworks then went to Nana and Papa's, where I met them after work. We had snacks, watched hockey and played some games/started a puzzle. We all rang in midnight with sparkling cider and hugs! 

2016 had it's ups and downs, but was good to me. 

I worked hard and a lot, got to spend lots of time with Winnie, finished the whole Book of Mormon for the first time, took my first solo trip to visit Keaton in Edmonton and fell in love with him more and more, we celebrated my parents 30th wedding anniversary, I got my own car, Megan and I went to Salt Lake City to attend general conference with Keaton and Jeffry and Kyle, Jackie and I drove across the country when I moved to Edmonton, Keaton and I got engaged, and last but certainly not least, we welcomed little Haig Arthur Pinsent. 

So all in all, a pretty decent year. It made me quite happy :)

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!