Christmas 2013

Christmas this year was a little different with no family around, and with Kyle only having Christmas Day off (sure, he could have taken more, but we are saving that up for some big events coming our way in 2014).

Nonetheless, we had a great time.

We've made some great friends up here, and were blessed that they invited us to join them for their Christmas Eve. They are the Hill's and the Messick's (Kelsey Messick being my best friend up here, and the Hill's are her parents, all in our ward). So we went to the Hill's for dinner, and Christmas movies, and pie, and reading the Christmas story and The Night Before Christmas, and opening a few presents. They even had a present for us. They are such nice and thoughtful people, and we are glad they have "adopted" us into their family.

After we left, we came home and watched "It's a Wonderful Life", and opened one present each. I opened up a Snoogle, a pregnancy body pillow from "Santa", and Kyle opened up a package of jerky from my mom, which he promptly enjoyed while watching the movie.

Yesterday was a really nice, relaxing day. 

We woke up around 8 - well, I did. Kyle was apparently up at 6:30. 

We went downstairs, and opened our stockings and presents.

We had a breakfast of french toast and eggs, and then watched Muppet Christmas Carol. 

We skyped with Evan and Holly, skyped with my mom and Charity, ate some lunch, watched Les Miserables, and cooked dinner.

We ate a yummy dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob.

We spent the rest of the evening laying around and talking and I took a bath.

I was so excited about my new camera! Kyle had to take a picture.

Surrounded by loot!

Our living room after opening presents.

Kyle!

Our tree.

It is crazy to think that next year we will have an 8 month old baby boy making this holiday season all the more fun! So exciting and crazy to think about.

We were both pretty spoiled this year. We both got a nice collection of chocolate and other treats. 

I got some maternity clothes (I have never been more excited for clothes in my life! haha), a new camera (a Canon SX170), Beachbody's Rockin' Body for post baby, Bananagrams, and a few movies, and some other nice things.

Kyle got some new professional clothes, and a new pair of jeans, an electric razor, a money clip, some other small things, and of course "Santa" dropped off two kayaks at Evan and Holly's in the fall for him. 

We are lucky and blessed and so grateful for all we have in our lives.

Most importantly, we are thankful for the Savior.

"Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother, and in His name, all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name"

We hope you all had a happy and merry Christmas!