This year, Ricky and I had our first Christmas together in Utah! When we first got married, we were in Utah for the wedding and reception on December 19th, right before Christmas, and then we headed to San Diego for the honeymoon, Christmas with Ricky's family, and a San Diego reception. The next year, we had Christmas with Ricky's family in San Diego again because his grandparents were moving and it would be the very last Christmas with them in their Van Nuys home. We wanted to be there for that. But this year, we finally got to have Christmas with my family! It was a wonderful trip! I want to share the few pictures that I did take and document what we did!
On Thursday, our first full day there, I went shopping with my mom and sister. We finished Christmas shopping and we got some groceries. Brittany and I made dinner, white chicken lasagna soup, a recipe I've been wanting to try for awhile! Then Brian, Brittany, Ricky, and I met Lisa and Travis at the Hogle Zoo for zoo lights! It was fun! There were lots of fun lights, and we got to see some animals that are more active in the night. Although I didn't get a picture, the polar bears were my favorite. They were running around and being so fun! I have never seen them so active! I think they were enjoying the weather!
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| They had a light of the lion drinking fountain!!! |
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After the zoo, my family went to Christmas in Color, which was a drive-through light show. It was pretty crowded, so there was quite a wait to get in, but it was really cool!
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| Singing light bulbs! |
On Friday, we went downtown to eat dinner at Little America and to see the lights at Temple Square. Dinner at Little America was delicious and the window displays at Grand America were fun. There was also a huge gingerbread house there this year that was awesome! Staying in or eating at Little America at Christmastime has been a tradition for my family for awhile, but lately it's getting so much more popular and crowded. Temple square was packed as well! Despite the crowds, we had a great time!
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| So much gingerbread and rice krispie treats! |
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On Saturday, Ricky and I went to visit Uncle Dean! It was so fun seeing him again!!! When we first got there, he put us to work, just like old times. Then, we went to dinner at Mandarin in Bountiful, which Ricky and I had never been to before, but wanted to try. It was really good! And because we called ahead, we got seated right away when we arrived. It was so crowded, but the service was great and we really enjoyed it! After dinner, we drove around Becky's neighborhood to see the lights and decorations, and then we visited Becky and her family. It was fun to visit. Uncle Dean is doing so well, and it was so good to see him again!
Sunday was Christmas Eve. We went to church for sacrament meeting, which was the only meeting held since it was Christmas Eve. My mom was actually one of the speakers, and did so well! It was fun being in my home ward again. It's been awhile! After church, we went to my Grandma and Grandpa's house for Christmas Eve with my mom's side of the family. We ate dinner, did a talent show, acted out the nativity and sang, and then opened presents.
Monday was Christmas Day. We opened presents in the morning. Then Ricky and I got to Skype with Ricky's family and his brother Alex who is on a mission right now. We got to talk to Alex for like an hour, so it was great! Then we went to my Grandma and Grandpa's house for Christmas day with my dad's side of the family. We had lunch, then we did our white elephant gift exchange! Then, we "kids" (Lisa, Travis, Brian, Brittany, Ricky and I) played a game downstairs just like old times.
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| I got my dad an essential oil diffuser |
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| And a cute skull pillow |
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| I got my mom a presto salad shooter and a cookie sheet |
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| Brian and Brittany got Ricky soda and candy and Brian got me gel pens! |
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| Brittany got me a coloring canvas! |
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| This is what I got Brittany! It's from a shop on Etsy called Sydni Stitches. |
Ricky and I had a flight home the day after Christmas. It was such a fun trip, but went so fast! It was so fun being with my family for Christmas and doing all of the traditions I remember from growing up.
