Christmas Memories

This year we had an awesome holiday season! Seriously one of the best that i've had pretty much ever. (And that's saying something.) It was the perfect break from real life. 

 Here is the way it went down:

 We started the break at the Peaden home for their annual Family Christmas Party. David and I were in charge of the organization of the party this year - and I think that it was a success (if I do say so myself). One of my favorite parts was the cookie decorating contest. Here are our entries:

Momma and Gender Neutral Baby and Merry Christmas Stocking

Obviously this is a portrait of myself in few months- unfortunately we didn't know the gender at the time.

Davids awesome stocking. It got a little smashed before we could take pictures of it. Oops!

Me and my cookie. :)

Us, our cookies, and the Christmas Tree.

Next up, we spend the week before Christmas at the Walker home in Morgan. I was lame and didn't take hardly any pictures. But here are some from Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning: 

The Christmas Tree.

Us, in front of the Christmas Tree.

Sleeping out "under the tree" on Christmas Eve.

We used to sleep all in the same bedroom when we were younger - but one bedroom won't hold us all anymore. So last year we moved out into the big room by the tree and it is awesome!

This is morning time, David and I were the first ones up - and had to wait patiently until a decent hour when we could start jumping on the beds and saying "It's Christmas! It's Christmas!". We are such 2 year olds.

David and I gave Kevin and Jenna and Stir Crazy - because we are dorky and love our popcorn.

Melissa and her sock monkey scarf and hat.

Me (and baby girl) opening a present from David.

The only thing Jenna REALLY asked for was this crazy straw-glasses thing. You can't tell in the picture, but the water is going through all of the glasses into her mouth. It was hilarious.

Jenna and I got matching sweaters. And by - we got matching sweaters I mean... Jenna opened up two of them and I claimed one.

This was Matthew's last Christmas before he left on his mission - and our Christmas morning ended in lots and lots of tears and hugs. We are going to miss our Matty-boy for the next two years, but we are SO excited for him to be serving the Lord in New Jersey.

After Christmas morning with my family, we scooted ourselves on down to West Jordan for Christmas with the Peadens. 

The Christmas Tree.

Hanging out. (Wearing my cute new christmas necklace.)

Aren't we the cutest? Yeah. I know.

Handing out Christmas Presents.

Consulting the list of names. David's mom creates a list of fake names to write on the presents so you don't know which ones are yours before Christmas morning. Then she distributes a list and has her assistants help hand out all of the presents. It's an awesome tradition and I love it! This year the names were all Harry Potter themed.

Our, and our baby's, spoils.  We are so very loved and blessed.

 

You can tell who had the camera during Christmas, resulting in NO single pictures of David and tons of me - but oh well. David and I opened our presents to each other in Morgan - but I found a little present addressed to me from David. I was surprised and asked him what it was. He told me that it was just something little but that he wanted me to have something to open in West Jordan from him. I opened it up and found season tickets to the Hale Center Theater in Orem. I can't believe how thoughtful my sweet husband is. Of course I immediately started crying, and am still overwhelmed with gratitude for such a kind and loving husband. He cares so much about me - and is constantly thinking of me. I love him so much.

The last set of pictures that I have is from a Christmas party that we went to with some of my really good friends from college. It was awesome to see so many familiar faces again after so long!

The old Pineview gang.

The Pineview #1 ladies.

Thanks to Cassie for putting the whole thing together!

Some of my favorite roommates ever - Cassie Maughan and Mandy Lee Olsen.

I feel like a bit of a loser for not taking more pictures of all the fun that we had over the holiday break - but let it just be known that it was wonderful and I consider myself one of the luckiest girls in the whole world to be surrounded by such amazing and loving people.

Love, David and Shantel (and Baby)