Christmas/Winter break - part 1

Our time in Utah during John's break and for Christmas was GREAT.  I am sad that it's over and that it went by so fast, but also glad to be back in Arizona, which does feel like our home now.  The weather in Utah was cold almost every day and it snowed a ton, which I LOVED for Christmas and the days after....but I can't complain about being back in 65 degree weather :)

The first night we got there, all my siblings came over for dinner...PF Changs...provided for FREE by Candy.  It was awesome!  Tons and tons of delicious food.  Then we went with the Bowen's to see the lights at Temple Square.  (Note to self: never go see the lights the Saturday night before Christmas again).  It was PACKED.  We still enjoyed seeing all the lights and I think the kids liked it too, but it was hard to push strollers around with that many people.  
  

Sunday, December 23rd was the Olsen/Sorensen annual family Christmas party at the CH2 ward building.  Our family "talent" this year was provided by Mike, Kate, Hannah, Brooklyn, and Pete singing Jingle Bells...Mike and Pete were good sports!

We spent Christmas Eve day at the Bowen's.  Brooklyn had fun getting all bundled up and playing outside in the snow with Kate and Hannah.  I was so glad that we had a "white Christmas" and that Brooklyn got to experience the snow.  I definitely am a 4-seasons person and love when there is snow at Christmas.

 

The rest of my siblings and the Cowden's came over for dinner and our funny white elephant exchange that we do every year.  This year there were some good ones!

Emily's hideous purse that Pete brought

Jake with his best friend...Aunt Becky

Hannah got a plunger from Jesse (it was new)

Annie's lovely unicorn cross stitch :)

Then we let the kids open one present, which is always new pajamas on Christmas Eve.  We put them to bed and John actually fell asleep on the couch and went down to bed.  I stayed up with Jeannette, Mike and Pete (who spent the night too), and Jon when he got off work.  It was so fun playing Santa with them and laughing harder than I have in a long time.  It was such a fun night (we stayed up until 1 a.m.) and one I will always remember.