Christmas 2009 Recap

Well, what can I say... better late than never??? So, here is the recap of my fabulous Christmas which I spent in Atlanta, Georgia with Jen, Steve and their cute kids. There are a ton of pictures, so enjoy!

I flew in late Wednesday, December 23rd and was greeted by Jen and Steve at the airport. I got to ride in the cute Mini Cooper and saw some of Atlanta as we made our way to their apartment. It was super late when we got in, so I didn’t get to see the kids until morning, but I was welcomed by this…

Such cute and creative kids!

Christmas would not be complete without decorating sugar cookies!

I was very proud of my cookie… I thought it turned out rather well!

That day we went out shopping…yep, shopping on Christmas Eve is kind of crazy even in Georgia! We also picked up a yummy ham for dinner that night. Jen put on a great Christmas Eve spread- thanks Jen, it was delicious!

That evening, as is tradition, everyone got new jammies! There is a race to see who can get their PJ’s on the fastest… I think Jen and I tied for Pond Scum which is last place! Go us!

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Silly kids modeling their new PJ's!

We read the Christmas Story from Luke 2, made sure the cookies were out for Santa, and checked where Santa was in the world before saying goodnight to the kids. Then it was off to wrap presents. Jen, Steve, and I had a great time getting everything wrapped. Good times!

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These pajamas were quite fitting (it says "Up All Night"), since he decided he did not want to sleep at all Christmas Eve! Cute little stinker though!

Side note: I attended a white elephant gift party where I got stuck with this hideous vest. I told my friends I really was going to wear it on Christmas day, so I took it and yes it did make an appearance Christmas morning! Even Eli was disgusted with it, so needless to say I didn’t wear it very long!

Christmas morning did arrive and so did all the excitement associated with it. The kids were super cute as they discovered what Santa brought them and then the fun continued as we opened presents. The Christmas joy was alive and well at the Moore household! Christmas exploded!

The family got a Wii balance board and Wii Fit Plus for Christmas, so we spent a lot of time playing that. It is great fun and I don’t think I will ever forget Steve “flying” - so classic!!

We went ice skating Christmas evening. It was a lot of fun and the kids did awesome!

Saturday we went out shopping to find Emmy a pair of boots… and yes, we were successful! Then we piled in the van and headed off to Stone Mountain. It was awesome! It was a bit cold that day, but the sights and festivities were worth it!

We rode the tram to the top of the mountain.

We stayed long enough to get a couple pictures while we were on top of the mountain. I’m glad I had my gloves and headband to help keep me warm!

We saw all the cute Christmas décor.

We saw The Polar Express in 4-D.

We rode the train around the mountain and sang Christmas songs.

We walked around a museum, heard a story from Mrs. Clause, and saw all the pretty Christmas Lights.

Stone Mountain was a really neat place and I’m excited to go back when it is warm!

It was great being with my Sister that weekend!

Sunday we went to church and then I had to say goodbye. My vacation had come to an end. I got back to Denver around 10pm that night.

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I had a great Christmas! It was so nice to be with family this year. Thanks Jen, Steve and all you kids for making my stay wonderful and letting me enjoy Christmas with you! I love you all!

Happenings

So, I spent a few days in Utah after spending Thanksgiving in Seattle. It was great to be home and just sort of veg! Mom and I got to hang out a lot and I also got to spend some time with Jess and the kids. Loved every second of being home and wish it could have lasted longer!

I flew back to Denver on Thursday, December 3rd. I didn't start work until Monday, December 7th, so I had a couple more days of vacation. I spent a lot of time cutting letters... Jared and Katie are on the Activities Committee and Jared was asked to do all the signs for their Christmas Party... it was a Who-ville party from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". I was really impressed with the party and the signs turned out really nice. You know Jared, he always has to go above and beyond! (These are just a few of the signs... I think there were 14 all together.)

Cayden loved the party!

Jared made a great Who!

Sunday, December 6th was Cayden's birthday party. Hard to believe he is two! What a cute kid!

I love that I get off at 3:30pm... it is great! I don't think I have ever gotten home so early! Anyway, it worked out well to get off that early so I could get the keys and move into my apartment on Thursday, December 10th. Jared helped me bring a few things over that night, but my stuff from storage wasn't going to be delivered until the next day, so I spent one more night with Jared and Katie. Annie was nice enough to come accept my storage goods, so I had a bed that night and could actually stay in my apartment! Boxes were everywhere!

Little Jacob came into the world on December 17th. I'm glad I live close enough that I got to go to the hospital and meet him the day he was born. Congrats Jared and Katie!

Cute Jacob - hours old!

Family Photo

Jacob- 6 days old

It’s been a slow process to get all moved in. I guess if I didn't work and didn't have a life that would be a different story. It has been hard to find time to get unpacked in addition to taking care of things like registering my car, getting my travel voucher filed, getting a talk written, going to a white elephant Christmas party, going to the movies, attending the Mormon Choral Christmas Concert, going to a cookie decorating party, going to the Temple, Christmas shopping, hanging with my cute nephews, going skiing, going to Annie and Steve's for a Christmas party, etc, etc, etc. Oh, and lets not forget traveling-a lot! I got on a plane Wednesday, December 23rd to fly to Atlanta, Georgia!!!

Ashlee and I skiing Copper Mountain- it was a gorgious day!

Thanksgiving in Seattle

On Tuesday, November 24th I headed to Utah. I think I was there less then 24 hours, but it was still great! Jess and the kids picked me up at the airport and we headed out to Mom's house. It was a joyous reunion. It was a fun evening filled with good food, great company, visiting, gift giving (from Kuwait), and being entertained by the kids!

Rylee took this picture- Nice job!

Rylee and Julie are happy!

Tayler is modeling the scarf I gave to Mom, while Rylee is modeling her prayer beads.

On Wednesday, November 25th, Mom and I headed to the airport and headed to Seattle! We stayed at Brent and Ashley's house. We got in around 7:30pm and that evening we visited, played wii, and handed out gifts! Ashley was very thoughtful and gave Mom and I a box of hand warmers and foot warmers since it tends to be a little cooler in their house. It was an awesome gift- I love those things! I also handed out some gifts from Kuwait.

Sheik Brent modeling his gift!

Thursday was THANKSGIVING DAY! I love Thanksgiving- it is a wonderful time to reflect on how blessed we are and how much we have to be thankful for. I was especially grateful this year to be home to spend the holiday with family. Ryan, Marcela, and Reyes joined us for the day and Uncle Gary also came over. It was nice to hang with them. Here are some pictures from the day:

Uncle Brent playing with Reyes

Thanksgiving Spread- It was delicious! Cute Reyes

Reyes and Julie just chillin' after all that food!

Ashley, Ryan and Marcela chillin'

Me and Two of my Bros! Ahh Fer Cute!

The Guys

The Gals

Ryan and Marcela- Muy Guapo!

It was definitely a relaxing day. It was awesome to just eat good food and hang out! Thanks Brent and Ashley for putting on a great spread!

The next morning Ashley, Mom and I braved the craziness called "Black Friday". It wasn't too crazy and look at all the good stuff we got! We didn't even have to get up too early! :^)

Successful Shopping

Friday evening we went to Ryan and Marcela's house to hang. We made a Costco run and got some pizza for dinner. Then we watched the short Merry Madigascar movie and sang silly girls camp songs. It was fun and Reyes loves the Moose song!! I actually spent the night with Ryan and Marcela since I went with them to Seattle the next day. Good times!

Our reason for going to Seattle was to go shopping. Pretty sad that the only thing we bought was lunch! It was definitely not a successful shopping day, but it was still fun to hang with Ryan, Marcela, and Reyes!

Reyes! I think she sang the entire Tarzan soundtrack that day- cute girl! On the ferry heading home!

After spending the day in Seattle we headed to Brent and Ashley's house where we looked at pictures from Kuwait and heard Brent's stories of Japan. Mom, Brent, Ashley, and I visited until past 11:30pm. I guess we figured once we stoped visiting that meant our vacation was coming to an end- sad!

Mom and I caught the 7am shuttle to head back to the airport on Sunday morning (November 29th). We got home (to Utah) by 2pm to find the furnace had died! Good thing we had hand and feet warmers that Ashley gave us! Thanks again Seattle clan for making it a great weekend! It was fun to see you all!

Back In The States

I'm back! Back to the USA and back to the world of blogging. When I got back to the states (Nov 18th) I first spent some time in Colorado before traveling around the country to visit the rest of my family. A big thanks to Jared and Katie who let me stay with them since I was homeless for a time. I had two major priorities - to find an apartment and to buy a car. I was able to find an apartment and had a move in date of December 10th. Also, with Brent and Ashley's help, I was able to decide on a perfect vehicle for me... a new Subaru Forester! I love it! The heated seats will help me survive a Colorado Winter!

My New Car- Isn't It Super Cute?

The day after I got home, Jenny just happened to be flying to Boise, and just happened to have a layover in Denver. So, I went and hung with her at the airport for a couple hours- it was great! The real reason I came to Colorado first was so I could attend my good friends' sealing on November 21st. It meant a lot to me to be there, after all, I introduced these two! :^) It was great to be with them on Friday evening when they received their endowment and again Saturday morning when they were sealed as an eternal family. It was awesome, I am so happy for them and happy I got to be there!

Lisa, David & Skyler

Bride and Bride Maids- a year later!

Saturday evening, November 21st, was a YSA event to attend the DU Hockey Game. I went and it was a lot of fun to see old friends and have time to visit. There was a sign that was just for me... okay, I'm sure it wasn't, but it was fitting!

So, from Wednesday, November 18 to Tuesday, November 24th I was in Colorado. Here are some other stories during this time:

Once I landed in Washington D.C. and got through customs, I headed out to find an information board to see where I needed to be for my next flight. I found the information board only to read a big "CANCELLED" next to my flight! I am soooo close to being home!!! So, I got to spend an extra few hours at the airport, but I did eventually make it on the flight that left at 12:20pm. :^)

After exactly 24 hours of travel time, I picked up my rental car for the short time I was going to be in Colorado. I thought it was pretty funny...

The day I got into Denver I had some time to waste before Jared and Katie got home, so I went to Target. It is pretty ironic that the first people I saw were a group of women wearing head scarfs and speaking either Arabic or Farsi! Am I still in Kuwait?

I got used to being at J&K's and hearing Cayden's "good-bye Julie" every morning. What a cute kid!

At the DU Hockey game I won 4 tickets to a DU Basketball game. I never win anything in my life, so that was pretty exciting!