Christmas 2010 Part 2: Salvation Army, Anniversary, A Christmas Carol, Temple Lights and Benihana

Every year for Christmas we do a service project for my dad for his present since he hates gifts. In the past, we've done kits for newborns to be sent to places in need, care packages for the troops, and donations in my dad's name. This year, since I wasn't with my family I thought it'd be nice to keep the tradition going and to do it in my dad's honor. So I took the Browns to the Salvation Army where we worked on gifts for families in need. It was a great experience and I think it will be its own tradition for our little family to continue every year.

Tuesday was our anniversary so we went to dinner just the two of us (something that gets harder and harder to do each day!)
We went to Forage and it was quite the experience. The restaurant is an old bungalow and there were only 10 tables in the whole place. You could also watch the chefs cook in the home-kitchen-turned-professional-kitchen and the flavors were really unusual. The highlight of the night (apart from the uninterrupted adult conversation) was that we saw our favorite Ty Burrell aka Phil Dunphy. Ryan talked to him and told him how much he loves his show and he was really humble, really nice and just pretty awesome. Come to find out he lives in Utah!

One night we decided to see A Christmas Carol and it was so well done. I think we were all surprised by how much we enjoyed it and I found myself touched by the spiritual message that it had--what a story of redemption and love. It really helped us focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

To get us in the Christmas spirit we went to temple square and walked around the temple lights. They were beautiful--and what made it even better was that the weather was so mild we could walk around and really enjoy the lights.

After Temple Square we went to Benihana and had an amazing dinner. It was so fun to sit and watch our food get cooked. I have a total soft spot for that place. It was a great time all together!

Christmas 2010 Part 1: Gardner's village, Family Gathering and Christmas Lights

This year for Christmas we decided to stay home and enjoy Salt Lake. We invited Ryan's family out and luckily I got to see my family for a short visit so it was nice to have all our family around us for a while. We missed seeing Steve, Ashley and my dad but we were together in spirit!

It was an activities-packed Christmas and every day was a lot of fun. First we went to Gardner's village so Callum could see the elves and we could get into the Christmas spirit. I love it there because it makes every season more festive.

 Looking through the window at the cottage of the elves. these scenes were so cute!

On the Sunday before Christmas, we had Ryan's cousins over for a visit and ate pizza, played the Wii, and visited with everyone. It was great to have everyone over!

Monday the 20th we went to a little street where there are Christmas lights that are synced to music and words. It was pretty cool, and Santa even came and gave Callum a candy cane. Afterwards we went to Hatch Family Chocolates for some hot chocolate and ice cream. Mmmm so delicious!

 Some of the photos are pretty blurry but that has been an issue with my camera lately so it's the best I could do.

Thanksgiving 2010

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year at my parents' house in Idaho. We baked and baked and cooked our brains out and everything tasted so good I was about to faint from a food induced stupor after our meal.
After we recovered, Callum played with his cousins--oh how he loves them! Spencer could get him belly laughing like you've never heard and Cal would try to wrestle everyone and laugh and laugh when they all toppled over!

 The girls at the kids' table.

 All in the kitchen getting ready for our feast!

 And here are pictures of my mom. I told her to smile for the camera so I could get a picture of her with baby Lily and my mom CANNOT for the life of her, keep her eyes open in pictures. I don't think she gets when the pictures are being taken. Anyway, for your enjoyment are my 5(!) (failed) attempts at open eyes.

 McKinley and Gian with Zenith and baby Lily.

One night all the girls went to the movies and saw Tangled. It was AMAZING! I had low expectations but I think it's bound to be a classic. It was the best movie to see at Thanksgiving, I think.
We also bowled and played arcade games with the kids. They had a lot of fun and so did we!

 Look at Callum's bowling shoes. Aren't they so cute?

 Callum taking a turn to bowl.

 That's a STRIIIIKKKE!

There was so much snow up there that we decided to take the kids sledding. Poor Callum didn't have his snow clothes, so he is wearing his cousin Ella's bibs--I think he looks cute in pink! Cal didn't exactly love the cold, but I am glad we took him out to get him used to winter activities.

All in all, Thanksgiving was a huge success and I it reminded me how thankful I am for family. Nothing was better than seeing Callum and the joy he has with his cousins!