12.22.11-12.26.11

I didn't take my laptop down to Utah with me because I wanted to spend every second with friends and family. I knew I would be too tempted to blog every day about the festivities. Anyway, I had a great Christmas and had such a blast having Chris with me. Last year we were separated by approximately 2179.28 miles. Not fun! Our first Christmas married was a success and I can't wait for the next eternity of Christmases.

12.22.11
We drove down to Utah...very tired from work. We left as soon as we got off. About 1.5 hours into the drive I was done. I couldn't keep my eyes open! Chris relieved me of driving duty and was kind enough to let me sleep the rest of the way there. What a sweetie.
We (the Jenkins clan and our Elcock cousins) went to Chuck-a-Rama that night for dinner (which brought back Choir Tour 2010 memories...anyone?) then we were off to Zoo Lights....it was far too cold. The poor kids were trying to enjoy themselves, but were done after about 45 minutes. I was too, haha. Then it was back to our house for hot chocolate. Douglas got ahold of our iPad and I found some treasures I have to share. :)

Keep in mind there are about 30+ more. These were just my favorites.

Megan, Betsy, & Henry. Aren't those the cutest Christmas PJ's?

12.23.11
Chris and I did a little shopping on our own. Chris went to 4 pawn shops and 1 gun shop...just for fun. He loves that kind of stuff. I do my best to be a good sport. :)
That night we had a spaghetti dinner and decorated gingerbread (graham cracker) houses. It was really fun to watch Chris get all into it. His house was very elaborate....it even had Santa out front shoveling snow. Regrettably, I didn't take any pictures of our masterpieces.
We then watched some Donny Osmond youtube clips (courtesy of mom) and then watched Mr. Kruger's Christmas....a tradition.
That night Chris and I went on a double date with Megan & Quinn/Thomas (a boy with 2 names, not 2 boys hahaha) to see In Time. A good movie- I really enjoyed it.

12.24.11
Christmas Eve is a big deal in my family. We have a big family party in the party barn. It goes for most of the day- we eat, play games, open presents, and play wii. Its pure chaos....I love it.

Cute Sister

Grandpa ready to pass out presents

Grandkids all lined up

We have a tradition that every year we get to open one present on Christmas Eve. Chris and I were assigned to give gifts to my brothers. We decided to play a little joke on them.... inspired by this video. We filmed ours too...but its not as exciting because my brothers aren't brats like most of those kids.

For their "real" present we bought them both slingshots and amo. For their fake present we found some Disney themed underwear. We hid the real ones and had them open the fake ones first. Jackson tried to act excited and Douglas was to disappointed to say anything. When I couldn't stand it anymore we pulled out their real presents and got to watch them be excited for real.

Haha, my poor brothers. I wouldn't have been happy either. Luckily, they were very pleased with their sling shots.  

12.25.11
Christmas Day was probably my favorite day. We had a phenomenal sacrament meeting service, I absolutely loved it. I had a blast watching my little sister and brothers open presents. Then Chris and I got to Skype with his brother who is currently serving a mission in the Dominican Republic. We visited Grandparents, ate leftovers, and played more games.

We played some "Just Dance" as well...I have videos, but unfortunately one of me is saved on an online locker ready for blackmail if needed.

12.26.11
Our last day in Utah. :( We went to lunch at Zupas and a $3 movie with the family. It was a good last activity. Then we were on our way...not looking forward to the end of the workless part of the break. We arrived in Rexburg at 11pm and collapsed into bed.

Great Christmas Break? Check!