Christmas Chaos

My little brother Jonny is on a mission in Australia. He sent our family an amazing package with tons of treats and gifts for everyone! It was so fun to all gather around and open presents from our little Elder Dundee. He sent Jacks a cute little koala bear and music box (which he really loves!) And he sent me the best cookies in the world TIM TAMs they are SO crazy good. Thanks Jonny for all the tons of presents - you're the best!!

Christmas Eve at the Harts

All the Hart grandkids. Leah, Christian, Kyle, Jackson & Carter. Five seconds after this was taken Leah decided to body slam Christian so the rest of the photos look like a wrestling match - crazy kids!

Christmas at the Woods! We have the coolest tradition with Nick's family. The day before Christmas Eve we spend the night at Nick's dad's house and have our own pre - Christmas. Every year Sherrie gets us matching jammies and we stay up play games then do presents in the morning.

Christmas was great! Jacks was so much fun and we loved getting everything ready for him. He loved the wrapping paper and got some really fun new toys that he goes crazy for. It is always great spending time with our families and doing our Christmas traditions. What could be better? Nick got me a Nintendo DS so if you don’t see me again for the next few years you will know why…It is so addicting, I really could play it all day. So I had to set a rule for myself that I am only allowed to play at night before I go to bed. I love Super Mario, Tetris and Guitar Hero. Oh dear. This could really become a problem.

I am so not used to having a normal December. This is the first time in about 6 years that I haven’t spent the first half of Dec studying for finals and finishing art projects and the second half with the flu due to my lack of sleep and exhausted immune system from the first half. You know what I’m talking about…I am so so so grateful this year to be done with school! And Nick is officially done with school now so it was his last crappy December – Horay! It’s a Christmas Miracle!!

I got really carried away this year making these marshmallow pops. I hand decorated and dipped them - I must seriously need a creative outlet. I think if the art thing falls through I'll start a candy and cupcake factory. Great back up plan.

Every year at Christmas time my fam goes to the Roof for dinner. It is a great time of year to go there, its so pretty and festive. I love looking out at the lights in Temple Square. The food was great and we all had an awesome time. We missed Jonny but it was really fun to have Erica with us for the first time!

Nick's 26th! Happy Birthday Big Papa!


THE NUTCRACKER

Mascha, Alicia, Linda, Alissa, Amanda, Grandma

One of my favorite traditions! My aunt Linda took us all to the Nutcracker at Capitol Theater. My mom and Linda have taken Alicia and I to the Nutcracker ever since we were little girls. I really love the ballet and this one in particular has always been special to me. It makes me miss ballet class with Leeshy! We did it for ten years and even both performed in the Nutcracker when we were about 11 or 12? It had been awhile since we had all gone together so it was such a great gift. Thanks Linda!