Better late than never

Jake and I had a wonderful over Chirstmas break. We were able to go to Twin Falls for 2 whole weeks, and we loved every second of it. My Father-in-law had an agenda of all the fun things he wanted to do while the family was home, I think we did everything on the list, plus some! I was also able to spend of few days with my family which is always fun. Coleman came up from Utah and we got to spend some time with him on his birthday! He was a New Years baby. We played Risk, my family gets way into it! But it is fun to be together.

It was fun to celebrate Christmas with my nieces and nephews. This year they understand the concept of Santa and were so excited for him to leave them presents. We had to make cookies to leave by the fire place...

Enjoying the cookies. I think all the kids ate more frosting and cookies then they decorated!

Ashlynn putting sprinkles on the cookies

The Finished Product. I think they did a great job.

Everyone loved holding the "new baby" especially Owen. She is gets prettier and prettier everytime I see her.


The kids were so excited to dress up and act out the story of Baby Jesus. It was so cute to hear them talking about Jesus and how well they knew the story. Their parents are doing a great job teaching them.

After acting out the story of Jesus it was time for the nieces and nephew to open their new pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa. They are all so excited and loved their new Jammies.

After the parents put their kids to bed it was time for the adults to have fun. We had a beautiful candle lit dinner and the food was delicious.

Jakes Parents always get a beautiful tree every year.

After our nice dinner we had a devotional. My In-laws asked that instead of doing presents for them we pick a service project to do and then tell them about it. It really helped me and Jake remember the importance of Christmas. We all shared our experience we had, and told what our gift for the Savior was going to be this year. It was a great devotional and the spirit was strong. I felt it really set the mood for Christmas. After the devotional we exchanged gifts that we had gotten for each other, we also got pajamas.

Jake and I got games and a food processor (which we love) Thanks Chad a Katie!

Jake and his little, big brother, Austin in their new pajamas.

I didn't get the girls in their pajamas but they are super cute!

Christmas Morning.

I know this picture is blurry, but I couldn't resist.

Brett and Maren

Austin, Zach, and Katie.

We had a great Christmas with everyone. It was a relaxing day. Jake and I went to my parents house during the afternoon and were able to talk to my little brother that is on a mission. He is doing well and having success. It was so fun to talk to him and hear all of his neat experiences and see how much he has grown. We are proud of him.

Snowmobiling
We went up to Sun Valley, and spent the day snowmobling. It was a blast!

Emily, Katie, Teri, Zach, and Austin. Really to leave

Chad and Katie. They only brave enough to bring their kids. The day before it was below zero. It ended up not being that cold while we are there. It was so beautiful.

Me and Jake ( this is the same place we spend out honeymoon 3 years earlier.)

Emily, Teri, Katie, and me.

The Family

Spencer and Lily.

It had a great time snowmobiling.

Gingerbread Houses

We spent one morning decorating gingerbread houses. They were fun but a lot of work. I helped my two nieces. I had so much fun.

Bowling

We had fun bowling even if I am terrible.

Other things we did:

*Stay up way to late every night

*Saw 4 movies
*Avatar

*Invectus

*Sherlock Homes

*Blindside

*Caroling to neighbors

*Watched North and South

*Watched Pride and Prejudice (Yes it was my first time, and yes, I loved it)


My Nephew was really sad one day when I was leaving to spend the day with my mom so he decided that we should go out for ice cream when I got back. He was super excited.

We had a great time together.

Jake and I had a great time with the family. We love that we live close and can see everyone often. We love you all and can't wait to see everyone again next weekend!