2011 - The END

December really began at the end of November. My family visited temple square's Christmas lights while my brother Josh and his family were still in town from Virginia

 Alex was sick at home, so we made sure to take pictures of as many beautiful blue Christmas lights as we could, just for him.

 Taking pictures is tricky with lights in the background

 Grant trying to "stamp out" the light.

 Another Favorite part of December was the Dicken's Festival! I'd never been and LOVED all the English tradition.

 Excited to see my niece PorSha dance was an extra bonus.... or perhaps partly the reason we just happened to be there that night? ;) what a coincidence!

 Among the chimney sweeps there were all the ghosts of Scrooge's Christmas, chestnuts roasting over an open fire and FUNNEL CAKES a MUST

 Christmas lights

 Christmas Eve was spent with the Martin's this year. Delish fondue, then Christmas treats.... don't they look like yummy gum drops? How was that dough Ade? 

 Candy cane kisses!

 Couldn't get enough... we tried these later with the remaining dough and used Ande's mints. Alex was in heaven.

 There is something magical about a Christmas tree

 Christmas morning! Ade, Ry & Jen with their family and mom and pops. Breakfast was divine and Taunya was spot on with her character of Christ. 

 We had such a fun morning with laughs....

 and tears. Like the boots mamma T!

 Although Alex specifically asked for no clothes, I told him this year he was getting what I wanted him to have. So he got a new coat and BUCKY BALLS! Ok that was something he'd been begging for for several years, then won at a work Christmas party after I'd already gotten them for him. Still surprised :)

 I couldn't pass up this shirt and a few more like it. Especially when they're for free ;) Thanks Bee! PERFECT

 What is it with mom's crying?..... But us kids managed to do it again. She was so excited about this picture!

 And then Alex's big surprise..... a mini fridge full of Mt. Dew for work. I can't believe how excited he was. Thanks mom and dad. I LOVE Christmas!!

 To finish off the year, we drove out to the west desert and shot off a few rounds.

 Alex was a pretty good shot. I have some lessons to learn from him.

 I broke this skeet... with my foot. But I did actually shoot one down.

 Jim and Kirt

 My favorite pistol

 Thanks for the great day!!! We had a fantastic time.

 Then we rocked out to the Wii as we brought in 2012! 

It has truly been an amazing year and we have been so blessed! We wish you all an amazing 2012 as well