Boardin'...Because We're Cool Like That...

wWith all this snow I've been talking about, we should go snowboarding, right? Well, we totally did! To say it was amazing would be an understatement.

The snow, was, immaculate!

It was fresh and deep and powdery and soft and everything wonderful.

Look at that powder!

Jared is covered in snow because he just biffed it. Bad! When you come up looking like Santa Claus you know it was a bad one!

 Awesome! I'm ready to go again...well, as soon as my legs feel better.

 

It's Christmas DAY!!

I don't know how I can be as old as I am and still get sooooo excited for Christmas Day! I wasn't really excited about the gifts, it's just the whole day. I was looking forward to spending it with family and seeing how excited all the nieces and nephews were about what Santa had brought them.

I just love Christmas!

Christmas Eve jammies pic! It's Tradish!

I don't know if you can tell, but he's a Lakers fan...

After we opened presents Jared thought it was acceptable to take a nap! Who takes a nap on Christmas morning?!
So I covered him with the wrapping paper to keep him warm.

 After we have breakfast and get ready we always go over to Matt and Amy's to see what Santa brought the kids. I love it! They are always so excited. Oh, and we are always treated to a delicious cinnamon roll while we're there.

Then we go to mom and Doug's to open gifts, have dinner, and spend the rest of the day there.

 

 

 

Luke thinks the paper tastes better than the food.

Grandma and Grandpa gave all the kids vests but they wouldn't hold still long enough for a pic.

 

 Later that night we played some games and it was a lot of fun. We love games!

 

 We had a very Merry Christmas. It is always such a nice time of the year and we are so blessed. My favorite part is the Spirit of Christmas. Everyone just seems happier and more generous this time of year. I'm so grateful to celebrate the Birth of Our Savior and for all He did for us.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

SNOW...

Well, we got a lot of snow this past week! It started Christmas Eve and was absolutely nuts! The day after Christmas it snowed the ENTIRE day. That isn't even a joke! It was awesome. I love snow!

That's all!

Christmas Parties + Christmas Parties...

This is unrelated to Christmas Parties, but I decided to throw it in there. Don't worry, next year we will have way more lights on the house. Jared has already agreed to this.

 Christmas Party #1: December 9, 2012. Doug's family.
We eat and then grandma and grandpa pass out gifts to the kids. Good times!

Thanks Jeremy for the face.

 

 

 
 Christmas Party #2: Mom's family December 16, 2012.
We eat(this is a common theme) and then Santa makes a grand appearance! Woot!

 

Luke doesn't like people not named his mother.

Christmas Party #3: The Halling Family Christmas Eve Extravaganza aka Jared's side.

I just thought I'd take a pic of the extreme weather we got on Christmas Eve.

First we do our gift exchange with immediate family.

 

 

All the grandkids(minus Keely) and cute little Harper, the first great-grandchild.

Then over to the church where we eat(again), sing Christmas Carols, play games, and there are more gifts thrown in there, too.

 

 

 
 We had fun at all these parties. Christmas with Jared's family was a little different this year since his parents are on their Mission. We sure did miss having them there, but we are grateful for Skype.

Temple Square Lights...

Last weekend we went to Temple Square with Jared's family. I love it so so much and it is one of my favorite Christmas activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooper loves Uncle J

Here we all are waiting for the little program to start.

 

 

It's just beautiful.

 

 After we looked at the lights we walked through City Creek a bit and watched the fountains. They had the flames with the water playing Christmas Carols but I missed getting a picture of it.

Look at this massive wreath at City Creek! It even looks big from the ground...

Jennie and Ava watching the fountains.

 

  We talk about doing this every year with the Jeppsens and just never do, so I'm glad we finally went this time. It was fun and festive.