Don't cry because it is over...Smile because it happened

Another 6 week transfer cycle came, and we found ourselves saying goodbye to some very special people. We had the honor to visit the Rome temple with several missionaries, with whom we had the privilege of serving closely, as they finished their missions and headed home just in time for Christmas. We also had the sacred opportunity to return to Arizona to attend the funeral of Steve's Dad. It was a time of peace and joy as we celebrated the rich life of a great man. As we traveled through Salt Lake City to Arizona, we dropped off Chris and Melanie Nielson who finished their 18 month mission serving in the office. Goodbyes are pretty tough, but because of Christ's Plan of Happiness, we know it is more like, "Ci Vediamo! ("we will see each other.")  

It has been said that funerals facilitate family reunions. Although it is very difficult to say goodbye to Steve's father, the love and support of Pardner's family is a testament to the kind of person he was and life he lived.  

The office couples went out to dinner in Milan to celebrate the completion of the Nielson's mission and the start of the Simpson's mission. We couldn't help but pause for a quick picture surrounded by all the beautiful Christmas decorations in the galleria. The Wood's and Nielson's marked the occasion with some beautiful wood nativity sets that they got to 'shepherd' around (see what I did there?) the crowded subway and streets of Milan the rest of the night. Sorella Wood 'wisely' (see what I did there?) invested in a $4 cardboard cart to efficiently transport her treasures.  

The Nielson's were understandably excited to return to their family after 18 months of dedicated service in the office. We are so thankful for all they taught us through their patient examples. Even while traveling home, Chris continues to hold that nativity 'treasure' close. 

We were able to cross off a bucket list item by seeing Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper masterpiece with members of the Muggio Ward. One of the ward members was kind enough to act as a guide and teach us all about it.

Christmas time in Italy truly is magical. The lights throughout the cities are incredible. The view of the Christmas tree in front of the Duomo looks like a snow globe. and we loved the bubble globe where children could meet Babbo Natale (Santa Claus). Don't let the lack of coats fool you...We were freezing and just had to smile when others asked if we were from the North Pole, because nobody else would be caught in these temperatures without coats.

During one Christmas Market, Laura purchased a hand painted olive oil bottle. The hand painted craftsmanship was exquisite, and the couple who painted them could not have been more kind. Notice Laura's coat not being worn which led to the lack of judgement a few days later of not taking a coat to see the Christmas decorations in Milan.

It is always fun when we get to meet the parents of one of our amazing departing missionaries. We can't help but gush over how incredible their missionary is and how fortunate we were to serve with them.

Still on the hunt for the best hot chocolate. This one actually came out of necessity when we needed to buy something in order to use a bathroom. We give this hot chocolate high marks for looks (fancy mug, lots of cream, cute cookie), but lower marks for thickness. The search happily continues...