Christmas Day 2012

Wow, I've really got to step it up when it comes to Christmas morning pictures!! I didn't remember to take pictures, because I was enjoying myself so much!! Haha!!

 

We had Jessica's family join us for Christmas. It's always so magical to see Christmas through the eyes of a child!

 Avery was absolutely in heaven. I just love her bright smile.

 We did have the rest of the family there to open gifts as well, not sure why I only took 3 pictures. The only person missing was Steve Jr. He will be coming home from his mission on January 4th!! It's hard to believe the time is already so close. We did get to call him on the phone today. It is always so nice to hear his voice. The kids are so funny when they talk to him. Kaylea says the funniest things. Conner doesn't talk much, but likes to ask how high Steve can jump, and how tall he is, how much he weighs, etc. I think Conner is hoping he has passed him up in all of those areas in the past two years.

Jessica has been practicing the art of making Macaroons. Those are my absolute favorite kind of cookie, the almond NOT coconut kind. She said when she came for Christmas she would make some for me. Actually, she said she'd show me how, but honestly, I'd prefer to have her make them, while I play with Avery-bug. They were SO GOOD!!

Mostly, Christmas at the Collings house is all about relaxing, which we do really well. We have football games on all day. We eat cinnamon rolls, and now macaroons, smoked oysters with cheese and crackers, and I usually cook up a turkey, because it's really easy. We don't have a fancy meal, just use the turkey meat for sandwiches. We'll usually watch one or two movies in the evening. I absolutely love spending the day with my family. What could be better??

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Christmas Eve 2012

Our Christmas tradition is to go to Grandma and Grandpa Collings house for Christmas Eve. The grandkids all put on a nativity, we eat dinner together, usually soup, French bread, and salad, and then we exchange gifts between family members. Grandma always gives her gifts to the grand children. The only thing that really changes each year are the kids. Avery is the first Great-Grandchild, but she still has cousins her age to play with. The other grandchildren are growing up, and instead of dressing up as Mary and Joseph, they are helping the younger children, or they are singing duets and solos, playing songs, or helping in other ways. It's always a nice evening.

 

 These are the youngest kids, with a few older cousins to play with them. Sicily, Nixon, Clara, Gracie, and Avery.

 And my gorgeous sister-in-law with her beautiful daughters. Brinlee, Victoria, and Kenadee.

 These two boys both passed me up in height, they will definitely be attracting the young ladies!! Kelton and my youngest, Conner.

 I was so happy to have these two with us this year. When your kids are married, you never know if you'll see them during the holidays. Chris' family lives in Oregon, so a lot of times they will spend the holidays there, but this year I got to enjoy my son-in-law Chris, and darling daughter, Jessica.

 A couple of sweet cousins dressed up as the stars of Bethlehem. Zoe and Chloe, with Sicily and her daddy John in the background.

 We definitely don't want to skip the stars of our nativity, Mary, better known as Bailee, and my handsome nephews, Carter and Douglas. I'm not sure which one was Joseph....

 Maybe they both were??

 These two were Joseph in previous years, this year they are taking care of the dog...

 Chris and Avery-bug.

 Very, very wise men...? Kenadee and Maili

 Brinlee Belle, another Star of Bethlehem, she looks like the real deal.

 Adam, Nixon, and the boys did a really good job of watching. Every nativity needs an audience!

 The cows in the background were played by Jake and Cameron.

 Kaylea always brightens the room.

 Sandi played the piano while we sang hymns.

Another tradition is to have cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. I think we're just about ready!!

24th Wedding anniversary

Steve and I take turns planning our anniversary, and this year it was my turn. I think I did a pretty good job of planning!

 

We had a room at the Grand America Hotel, which is absolutely gorgeous inside! We had dinner there at the restaurant in the hotel. I love having my anniversary at this time of year because everything is so festive! Lights, Christmas trees, music, and everyone is just happy.

 

 We went over to the new City Creek mall, and did some shopping. We went into a store called the Art of Shaving, and bought Steve some really nice shaving lotions, brushes, razor, and shaving cream. He's going to smell amazing in the mornings. Then we scheduled with them to give him a shave with a straight edge razor, with the hot towel, and the works!! We scheduled that for the next day.

After shopping, we made our way to Abravanel Hall for the Kurt Bestor concert. Again, perfect season to have an anniversary.

We went back to our hotel after the concert. I wish I had a picture of the view from our room. The entire city is lit up for Christmas, and snow on the ground. How can you sleep with such pretty views right outside the window??

 

The next day we went to "The Hobbit" at the IMAX theater. Definitely a great way to see it, it's on a HUGE screen, and such a great story.

 

 

 After the movie we made our way to the shaving shop for Steve's appointment. They basically take an hour to pamper your face. I don't know if he'll ever do it again, but every man needs to have a straight edge shave once in their life.

 While Steve was busy getting his shave, I was at the jewelers picking out a new ring. I haven't had a wedding ring for years. I just wanted a simple band because it's hard having big bulky rings when you're a nurse. I picked out the perfect ring for me, and sent it away to be sized.

Our last evening was spent at a work party for my company at the Tuscany restaurant. It was really a great meal, and it was fun to introduce Steve to the people I work with. All in all, we had a pretty good anniversary. Next year is 25... I'm glad Steve's planning it, he'll probably take me to Hawaii or something!

Here's my new ring. Like I said, simple, but perfect for me. Here's to another 24 years!!

Christmas decorating

Christmas decorations are up. I really enjoy my new home. I love the holidays, and I love family.  Looking forward to a fun Christmas season. By the time these decorations come down, Steve Jr. will be home from his mission!! Can't wait!

 

Thanksgiving 2012

Fun times at Grandma and Grandpa Collings' house for Thanksgiving Dinner. We did have an extra guest with our family this year. Lacey is living with Kaylea in Provo, and we invited her to come join our family for a feast!

 

I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves. It was truly nice having the family together. These kids are really growing up!!