Thursday, December 30, 2010

Merry Christmas 2010

Let's begin with Christmas Eve...
I have driven past an empty shopping cart with a sign that says "Need Wood" for almost 2 years on my way to and from school. This particular evening as I drove past it was OVERFLOWING with bags of goodies and there were more bags on the ground everywhere surrounding the cart. At this moment is the first time this season I have really felt the Spirit of Christmas. I was amazed at the generosity that people had to give this homeless person things that he probably desperately needed. It almost brought tears to my eyes!!
We enjoyed a great meal and beautiful nativity at Ryan's sisters house and then headed out to his other sisters to play games, build the toys from Santa, and help with some other family members presents. Needless to say we were exhausted and ready for bed by midnight but the presents weren't finished so we had to stay up later and later... When we got home we put together Stockings and opened them up because we knew we would be cutting it close in the morning. Our presents this year (and probably for many years to come) are the POOL and a new dining room set. It looks great and I'm so excited to have them both!!
Christmas morning came way too soon. It was off to breakfast at Ryan's parents with his family. Sausage casserole- YUM!! We were spoiled with some new lounge chairs for the pool. Thanks!
Then, a stop by my parents house to exchange presents and enjoy a second breakfast of Eggs Benedict- my favorite!! But, I was so stuffed that I could only eat one :( Once again, spoiled with gift cards so we could buy more patio furniture or chemicals for the pool. Thanks!!
Every year my brothers and sisters that live at home make shirts to wear on Christmas or dress up in twinner outfits or something fun like that. This is the first time Ryan and I were included. We all got black sweatshirts and decorated them... Mine and Ryan's were decorated by my sister, Michelle, since we were busy. They were super cute and we had a lot of fun modeling them!
Presenting: The A-Team!!!
The backs- minus Mitch

That's my hand, LOL

We all got socks for Christmas- I didn't have mine on yet but I had some just as good
SuperStar!!
The Fronts
We finished up Christmas at my grandparents with a nice dinner. Then headed back to Ryan's sisters to play more games. No rest for the weary. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Graduation trip to Vegas

We stayed at The Signature at MGM Grand
I was practicing the self timer on the camera so here we are in our hotel room
The Main Event: Utah vs Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl


Opening Kick off. Some Fighter jets flew over the stadium before it began and it was the LOUDEST thing I have ever heard!!
Here are Ryan and I at the game. See that guy in the yellow coat next to me? He was my drunk buddy who talked my ear off the entire game. He migrated from England to Las Vegas to get out of the cold and snow and thought that the game was FREEZING!! He was so cold in his coat and snow pants that he had to go buy a hat. This was nothing compared to the BYU vs Utah game!!!

Swoop came right up to us and Corey was ready for a pic


The last time the Utes would lead...


Taking a knee for an injured opponent

The very sad but final score...

It was so fun for me to go and be there!! What a great man I have that will take me to do the things that bring me JOY!


Friday, December 17, 2010

Once again, Best husband ever!!!


Oh, I almost forgot... Ryan surprised me with a trip to Vegas to see my UTES in the Las Vegas Bowl. Someday I hope I can be that good of a wife. He loves me ;)
And, my family got me a brand new Utah Sweatshirt for the occasion. Yay!

gRadUaTeD!!!!!

The Before Party... We had our own special IHC Cohort 11 Luncheon




An opening slideshow at graduation where we could thank those that helped us out along the way... Mine said "Thanks for all the words of encouragment! I love you! Hopefully I won't be boring anymore..."

My cute family who were able to make it + Ryan's parents who were taking the photo
We picked the best background in the whole place!



Couldn't have made it through without Char!!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

So Close!!!

We put water in the pool!! It took 31 hrs to fill it up with our hose and we were so paranoid about going to sleep with it running... No need, it still took till 4pm.

Hot tub
The baja shelf to set chairs on or for kids to play on

A look at the planters and lower deck with the shed and all the pool equipment

The bench that you can sit under the waterfall on