Christmas 2012

I have two days left of Winter Break and then it's back to school for another very busy term. I thought I should catch up on some blogging before I completely get swamped again.

Here are quite a few pictures from all the fun we had this break.

We began with by getting our first Christmas tree! We went to a tree farm just up the hill from our place. We got to choose the tree, cut it down, and tie it to the top of Andrew's car. It was POURING rain and I was not going to bring my camera out in that kind of weather for pictures. Here is the only picture I have of the tree the night we put it up. (Ignore Andrew's bottom....)

I went to Zoo Lights with the Young Women from our ward. 

We had multiple Christmas parties throughout the season. Andrew's boss and his wife graciously opened up their home to all of the America's Tire Clackamas store employees. They are so generous and welcoming and we had a wonderful time. 

We hosted a very fun Christmas Party at our place complete with a hot chocolate bar and White Elephant Gift Exchange. I was too busy being a good hostess to get pictures of the party.

Also, every year Andrew's mom's family gets together and has a wonderful holiday meal and gift exchange. It's always a lot of fun.

We went to a beautiful wedding and reception out in Hillsboro and stopped by my sister's house for a quick "Hello". Her husband LOVES Christmas lights. He starts setting them up before Halloween. We look forward to seeing what new additions are made each year.

We spent Christmas Eve in Albany with my parents and brother. We played games, watched movies, ate pizza, opened gifts, and just relaxed. 

My family is quite divided in our loyalties to either the Oregon Ducks or the Oregon State Beavers. Apparently the Angel on top of the tree at my parent's house can't quite decide either....

We spent Christmas morning just the two of us at our place. It was so nice to be able to wake up to each other on Christmas morning and start our own Christmas traditions which included opening stockings from Santa and gifts from each. We know each other very well and were thrilled with the gifts we got from each other. 

Around 11ish, we went over to Andrew's mom's house for gifts and a creamed eggs brunch. I am so blessed to have such wonderful in-laws and to be able to spend the Holidays with them.

Merry Christmas!