Christmas 2010

Christmas was lovely this year. We headed over to Colorado again.

Long story: Although, we were supposed to spend it with my folks in Utah, my sister, who was great with child, was too close to her due date to come out to Utah so she convinced us all to go out there. All but my older brother and his family were there. She was a great hostess. We actually stayed with my in-laws who have bigger accommodations. And so we split our time between the two families. Boy am I glad both our parents don't live in the same state! What a pain to have to choose which place you want to eat dinner or whose house you want to play games at. And for me, who is incredibly indecisive, made things even harder. Needless to say, we were able to see both families (though more of my in-laws because we don't get to see them as much during the year).

We did lots of things and not much relaxing went on. BUT lots of eating happened! Good grief! I gained at least 5 pounds in the month of December. Or perhaps it started in November when I started rehearsals for my show and (which ended right before we left) exercising ceased.

These are some things that we did over the holiday break.

Played:

Euchre of course!

And I won Ticket to Ride one day! That made me feel good because I rarely win games, especially when playing against Grant or Tyler.

Poker--well the boys did. (photos courtesy of my sister Rose)

on Uncle Grant's back (Jennie's husband)

and army men with Papa with Sammy's new toy gun.

Ate:

Cookies! My downfall this time of year. Samuel licking the bowl. I taught my children well :) Carson is still a little young to understand the whole decorating process yet.

Christmas Eve dinner at Jennie and Grants. Tyler went all out and attempted to make Beef Wellington for the first time. It was a success! Jennie made delicious brussel sprouts along with rolls, carrots and mashed potatoes. And we topped it off with Tyler's cheesecake.





Visited:

With one of my best friends, Heather, and her two boys.

Sadly, due to illness I missed visiting with one of my other besties, Nora!

Witnessed the birth of my newest nephew, Luke. I've never witnessed the birth of a baby from the other side. That was cool! I tried to be her doula though I could not convince her that she could go naturally once she hit active labor and contractions were 2 minutes apart. I am still interested in training to be one in the years to come but man! Helping was hard work (I massaged her legs, pushed her feet, etc....labor stuff) I was tired by the end of the process, but it was WAY easier than actually having a baby! Plus, get this, he wasn't due for another 2 1/2 weeks! Good thing she didn't come out to Utah afterall! We were all able to see him before we left for Utah, including my parents.


Got sick:

Cecily started it all with a runny nose and fever. But look how happy she still is!

Entertained:

Going to a movie and the ballet (Nutcracker) with my parents and sisters, and the King Tut Exhibit which was fabulous! No pictures allowed, but gorgeous gold and coffinettes (the mini and ornate coffin that his stomach was saved in. Cool, huh!, no, really, it was cool).

Opened waaaaaaay too many presents:

Jocelyn helping Warren open a present on Christmas Eve.

Jocelyn digging the unwrapping thing or the camera thing on Christmas Eve.

Cecily's 1st Christmas morning.

Samuel helped me pick this one out for him :)

And just had fun!
My favorite thing about this time of year is being together with family. Relaxing and enjoying each others company. And remembering the importance of the Savior's role in our lives.