Holidays

So lately instead of blogging I've been doing a lot of this...reading that is. At first it started out as a recreational enjoyment, but has now crossed over into the mandatory-boring as ever-textbooks.

So to catch up on the holidays we kicked off our break with the ugly sweater "Petty Party." Thanks to Russ and Emily we had a grand old time ice skating and exchanging white elephant gifts...we ended up with a sweet key chain (you know the kind that everyone gets in the Bahamas). Oh and a special shout out to Matt's mom who provided us with our awesome get-ups. (Kiera went with the cat lady look, while Matt was inspired by the 80's/early 90's look-remember the time when guys dressed slightly homosexual...yep that's my husband)

Our next big event was the annual Hall family party in Mantua. Matt's side is gigantic, but a fun crowd to be around! I have to showcase our nephew Luke who would only eat cookies at the party and gave major stink eyes if he had to wait 30sec for the next cookie.

Meet Elena: Matt's niece that I believe thinks Matt is her second dad. She was darling and just cuddled up to Matt. (side note-it was so crazy how much Elena loved Matt because Matt's brother lives in Texas so we had not seen Elena in a year, she was just 4 months old then!)

Next on the event list was a temple outing with my family. It was the first time I've done a session in the SLC temple, and it was really neat!

CHRISTMAS at the DORIUS household....

My sister-in-law LeeAnn got these adorable PJ's for all of the grand kids.

Yes I needed a break...I love kids, but a house full of them plus 14 adults can be overwhelming!

CHRISTMAS at the VAN DYKE household...

My mom had told us she was going to get a "Charlie Brown" tree this year...now when I think "Charlie Brown" I think short and stubby, not tall and skinny.

cute Quinny "hiding" from the camera

Gunnar's doggie snuggy...yes they do exist. (and I swear he is smiling in this picture!)

So what happens on Christmas when your whole family is asleep while you and your husband are bored and wide awake? Can someone say free manicure/pedicure! I still don't know h0w he ever agreed but all of the sudden Matt was painting all of my toes different colors. I then proceeded to entice Matt to paint my nails...he came up with the end product all by himself. (from R-L: snowman, candy cane stripes, snowflake, Rudolf, present bow.)

Since the break Matt went hunting

We bought yet another snowmobile and tried it out at Stacie's cabin

Celebrated my dad's birthday (Daddy Leigh showing that he is still young at heart by jumping into the pile of love sacs...and yes he did it more than once)

And I'm slowly getting my domestic skills back (aka making dinner every night again). I made meatball for the first time the other night- which they turned out to be really yummy if I do say so myself :)