Our White Christmas!

Christmas 2012 was the best yet! for one, we didn't all die 4 days earlier, that was definitely a bonus. But all the doom and gloom aside, it was a well planned, eventful day full of friends, food and fun!

We got our REAL tree (family tradition of 3 years now) and decorated it slowly throughout the month, it helped the excitement build a little I think. And thanks to our wonderful families, we had plenty of presents under the tree! (Thanks Mom's!). 

 It took my just over a year, but I finally found the time to finished the stockings I started last year! I think they're darling...not a functional as I had hoped, they're a little narrow, but darling still.

     It took about three hours but we did our first Christmas salsa run this year! It turned out awesome and the triple batch I made was just the right amount for our friends, co-workers and church family!

 Well before Christmas eve (and by 'well before' I mean two days before the 24th) I had our Christmas village, mistletoe and stockings in place, our tree was decorated and presents where ALL bought, wrapped and nestled under the tree. Our house smelt like a winter wonderland with the pine tree burning with citrus and cinnimon. It was perfect! The only things missing were our family and a nice blanket of snow!

And this is the product of all our hard work! A pile of beautiful wrapping and a ton of love from home! We skyped with the Gutterys shortly after we finished unwrapping our gifts and Tessa proceeded to show us and explain how all of her gifts work. (my favorite, her stompies).

 Chads Favorite gifts: Android Nextbook Tablet (from yours truly), His awesome new pair of sweats from his mom, and his new dress shirt from mom Guttery. I'm personally very grateful for that one since its a hit and miss with that guy on clothes.

 (Chads loot...what a spoiled little boy)

And then there's me (a VERY Spoiled little girl!)

Wow mom! You are the BEST! I LOVE my new scarves, my awesome new dress and all the fun jewelry  Thanks family! 

Chad hit the nail right on the head and got me the sewing machine I've been eyeing! How'd he know! Seriously! I'm in heaven! Chads first words " now you can fix my favorite jacket!" 

What a giver.

 After all the fun family time, skyping with the Merrells and the Gutterys, we headed over to the Thompsons and finished preparing our Christmas feast! This lovely booty shot is Trent and Chelsea systemically seperating the turkey from the bag after it "Popped". They had a  very interesting technique!

                                                     Phase 2 of the Turkey Technique

           Trent carved the turkey like a boss. And for the record, it was the juiciest turkey eva!

 Chelsea made homemade gravy from the drippings...for the first time! It was awesome! Sis Duke, you would've been so proud!

 The FEAST!

 After we ate we went out to the sand dunes to play in the snow! it was awesome! We only had one sled but it lasted long enough for all of use to get at least one good ride out of it.

It was a totally beautiful day. We had so much fun in the snow, and every second was so relaxed and enjoyable. I miss my family so much but this year it really fit me how happy Chad and I are as a family! We are small but we are great. We enjoyed every moment together and it felt so complete. we missed our family as we always will at Christmas time but they weren't missing. Chad and I complete each other and the holidays remind us of that!