Holiday Time

The holidays have officially ended.  Thanksgiving was really normal this year.  We stayed home and had dinner with my family.  It was always my Dad's favorite holiday so we were all a little emotional, but who wouldn't be. I finished most of my Christmas shopping on Black Friday.  I think the sales are worth it, even if some of them are for me.  I went with my friend Honey to the outlet stores in Park City at about 10 PM thanksgiving night.  If I had gone by myself I probably only would of stayed about 2 hours,  but we were there until 3 AM.  It was totally ridiculous.  Luckily Jake was asleep when I got home so he couldn't make fun of me.  I got Jake a good hiking backpack from the Colombia store for 25$.  I was officially proud of myself.  Then his official Christmas present was tickets to the Neil Diamond concert in July.  I was almost positive that he would love that present and of course he did.

Jake's family arrived last Thursday night and stayed all day Friday.  It was nice to spend Christmas Eve with his family, and then Christmas day with mine.  Max was way excited to see Grandma Barb and Grandpa Ralph.  He kept wanting to sit with them so they could help him read his books.  It was quite funny, considering he hates it when I read to him. We went to Smashburger that night because I really wanted a shake.  But then I found out that they had root beer floats so after we ordered I asked for an exchange, because the shake was already made so they gave it to us for free.  I must say that was the best shake I've ever had. The Brooks were staying at the Marriott so we went and swam at the pool on Thursday night.  Max was really tired so he was a bit grumpy but he had fun and didn't want to leave.  Max got so many presents that I need to make room for them. He got a car port that wines so he can run race cars down it, a wagon with blocks, a few books that came on his birthday and some other toys that are definitely for boys like trains.  On Thursday night everyone went to temple square.  I stayed back, a day of cooking wore me out and I didn't feel like going down town and dealing with all the people.

On Christmas morning we enjoyed some T-ring, opened presents and then went to church.  After a long quiet afternoon we went to my Moms and had a standing rib roast and then opened presents.  I got a Victoria's Secret gift card from my mom and then a couple of activities for Max that he can play with at church and then Nathan got me a Rachel Ray cookbook.  I don't love Rachel Ray, but she has quick recipes and Jake likes her style so it works out.  Jake got a Groupon to some rib place and a sweater.  And Max got more toys and then clothes.  They were a size 3T so they won't fit until next year, but that's totally fine with me.  I love to be prepared.  I went to the Gap 2 days before Christmas and found him a winter coat for next year for $13.  It's a nice thick coat so I couldn't pass it up, then of course I got him a pair of Pjs that had airplanes and helicopters on them.

For New Year's Eve we went up to Pocatello to spend time with Jake's family a little more.  Unfortunately someone left a latter in the middle of the highway and we ran over it and blew out our front tire.  luckily we were close to Tremonten where we were totally ripped off on a tire.  But at least we made it there ten minutes before they closed, or we would have been stuck.  Later that night everyone went swimming at Lava  Hot Springs.  max loved it!  I had to drag him out of the water and he screamed until we got to the Ladies locker room.  I think he has found a new passion, considering he hated the water last summer.  Barb and Erinn made some of Jake's favorite meals, i.e. Mexican bean soup, raspberry muffins, and huckleberry cheesecake.  I was glad to get home early so we could enjoy one final day together before Jake had to go back to work.

The Brooks at Lava Hot Springs

Max loved hanging with Grandma Barb during their visit. 

Of course Mom made the Thanksgiving turkey.  It was delicious.

Jack was overcome by all the festivities.

Max caught me taking pictures of him when he was looking through his book, so he began to pose for me. 

Max was fascinated with the bird we got for Grandma Mary for Christmas.

It finally snowed on January 7th.  So Max and Jake went outside and created this rabid bear.  Which was destroyed a few hours later by some lame kids.  

Max finally understood the concept of opening his own presents this year. 

We went to the zoo lights on Max's birthday.  It was an extremely cold night. 

I'm glad that the holidays are over.  I'm ready to move on and see what 2012 has in store.  2011 was a bit crazy and dramatic.  My biggest accomplishment was finishing school.  I'm so glad that it's over and now I feel like I can focus my energies on doing things with Max I didn't have time for before, and doing some crafty activities that I've always wanted to do.