A few holidays have passed, so I thought I would share how we spent them. You will have to overlook the fact that some of these were many months ago. We're going to start back in October.
A week or so before Halloween, we were invited over for dinner with the McEwans, a couple in our ward. We had a great time carving pumpkins with them, but I was worried they wouldn't last until Halloween night. They did! Mine was a little past its prime, but good enough for the zero trick-or-treaters we get every year. For Halloween night, Jake and I watched Jaws with Nic and Becca. Bec had never seen the movie, and I had seen it only the year before. I loved it, and wanted to see it again. So we all enjoyed it together, and I think Jaws enjoyed the four of us. "Not with three he can't!"
Here a few pictures of our pumpkins:
For Thanksgiving we went to Jake's parents'. We invited Nic and Bec to go with us, so it was fun having them for the holiday. The food was amazing! My favorites were Steve's sweet potatoes and Michele's cranberry chutney. Just thinking about it is making my mouth water.
Since we were with Jake's family for Thanksgiving, we were with mine for Christmas. We were really excited to see everyone and especially excited to spend Christmas with Will. After many Christmases with only adults, it was so fun see the magical experience Christmas is for a little kid. My favorite moment was when Will opened some tiny Mickey Mouse figurines and exclaimed, "Oh goody, goody!" Possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen.
We had such a great time laughing, playing games, and eating delicious Christmas treats. I thought I would miss the white Christmas since we were lacking in the snow department this year, but it was really amazing. Jake and I didn't have to worry one bit about the weather while we were driving, unlike last year when it took us hours and hours to get from one place to the next.
Once we returned to Provo, we had our own little Christmas. I forgot to take a picture of the presents after we opened them. I got Jake an accessory for his Dremel, the Adventure Time DVD, a few books, and a solar toy. He got me a rotary cutter, a sleeve board, a spoon ring, and Scrabble. I'm sure there were other things, but these are some of the items I remember. Here are a few pictures:
Our cute little tree
We knitted our own stockings after we got married. Jake's is big enough for the Jolly Green Giant to wear on a cold winter's day.
Jake and his new solar toy. All assembly required, just how he likes it. This toy can be reassembled as 6 different toys! So cool!
Lastly, let us not forget Martin Luther King Day. For Rebecca and I, this year was the fifth annual MLK Day Chocolate Pancake celebration. It all began 5 years ago in the Glenwood when fate brought together two girls destined to bond over their love of under-celebrated holidays and chocolate. It's crazy that we have been friends for 5 years! Nic and Jake have been celebrating with us for 4 (You're almost there, guys!) and little Matthew for 2.
Happy holidays!
