the most wonderful time of year

One word-Christmas. Really, is there anything better? I think not! Its hard to narrow down what exactly makes this season so special. The tree, the snow, the lights, the goodies, the movies, the music, the real reason for the season, the friends and family, the list could go on and on. Minus the few extra pounds i acquire around my mid section, there really is not a thing i dislike about it. I love Christmas and everything it brings!
Here are a couple things that have made our holiday season special this year

• Temple Square

To start out the holiday season Chris and I made our way up to Temple Square to check out the lights with Chris' older brother Sean, his wife Collette, and their son Ryler! (cutest child ever!)
Although it was freezing, it was well worth it! The lights are always so beautiful, and it was nice to enjoy them as well as the spirit that was felt on the temple grounds.

 The beautiful Salt Lake Temple

Kisses

 Chris and Ryler!

Sean, Collette, and Ryler

The Giant Nut Cracker

• Decorating our First Christmas Tree and home

So this year I was so nervous that I wouldnt have enough decorations to put up, and it wouldnt feel much like christmas... but thanks to my mom, I had more than enough to put on my tree just not enough to put anywhere else. So we did some shopping, and we did some creative things to make our house feel all Christmasy inside!  

 putting the lights up

 putting on the finishing touches

 putting on the star

us in front of our first tree!

• Comcast Christmas Party

This year Chris has been blessed to have a full time big boy job.  Although it keeps him really busy and between both of our jobs we have hardly any time for each other, it really is a blessing. And along with this big boy job came our first company christmas party. It was a Vegas style party, and we played blackjack for tickets to put into a drawing.  We didnt do too hot, and luckily we wont be going to the real vegas anytime soon.

 waiting to eat

• Christmas Craft Day with the Girlies

As I mentioned earlier we dont have many Christmas decorations, so my good friends Courtney and Christina who were in the same predicament, decided that a Christmas craft day was in order! We picked 3 crafts that we decided to give a shot (probably bit off more than we could chew). The crafts turned out better than I could have hoped for and cant wait to have other craft days with the girls.

Pictures courtesy of Christina's blog :)

 working hard

the wreath

(this is actually Christinas)

• Ice Skating with the Peedletons

Some of our most favorite people and our dear friends, the Pendletons aka the Peedletons, joined us on an ice skating adventure! it was the cutest little out door rink and we had a blast.

• Christmas and New Years in Virginia

As it is, both of our families currently live in our home state virginia... so it only made sense for us to return home to them to celebrate the holiday. This year it was my turn to have Christmas with side of the family! It was so fun to be home and be with my family in northern VA, although im sure it was tough for chris to be away from his family, he was definitely a trooper and didnt show it. We then ventured on down to Charlottesville to celebrate the new year with his family. It was nice to see both sides of the family during the holiday and feel the love from both our parents and siblings.  Chris was able to visit with all of his old high school friends and it was fun seeing them all again. (unfortunately, I dont have a picture of all of them, or any at his house for that matter)

 the only pic i took of the sibs when i was out there.. sad

Virginia sunset

Christmas this year was different from any other Christmas I've ever had, and also the most special... because this year I was able to spend it with my most amazing husband! We are so blessed and are so thankful for all the love and joy that was shared this season.