Christmas 2012

Christmas was a ton of fun this year.
We had a good chunk of time to spend in Utah.  We went down on Thursday and left on Christmas Day (Tuesday).   The trip started out on adventure.  We had to go to Preston Idaho for Brock's work. Preton is a small town.  We went to the outskirts of Preston, as in we had to take a dirt road to get there.  (The dirt road was on our GPS though, kinda funny).  We were pretty nervous about driving on an unknown dirt, mountain road that was covered in snow and ice.  Here's a peek:

 

When you think of the middle of nowhere, that is where we were.

My parents had all of the grandkids come over for a sleepover which was a ton of fun.  My mom found this kit to make a cardboard train that they could color on.  It was super random but totally kept them occupied the WHOLE time.  We had a fun breakfast the next morning and then they went home.

 

Emma, Jamie, Timmy

 

 

Rylee and Addie

 

 

Davy, Michael and Dallin

 

 

Saturday evening we had a very unique experience.  My parents have always loved Hale Theater in Salt Lake.  We all had season tickets last year that we got for Christmas the previous year.  My dad made a donation to the theater and to show gratitude for him, the provided a night at theater for all of his guests.  They had signs with his and my mom's name, they had a private room with refreshments, we got a private tour of the whole theater and then free tickets to see "A Christmas Carol" and refreshments throughout the play, what a blast!  So grateful for my awesome dad and that he has always encouraged us to be involved in the arts.

 

All of us that were there when they honored Dad.

Brock and I by the sign

On Sunday we went to my parents' ward.  Since we didn't have a ward choir Christmas program in our student ward, I was able to jump in and sing with the ward choir in the ward I grew up in.  My whole life I have performed during the Christmas season so it just isn't Christmas time without singing Christmas carols to spread the Christmas spirit.  I absolutely loved every second, I frequently miss learning new pieces and singing in a choir.

Monday was Christmas Eve.  We started the day early and met up with my good friend Checko (Molly Rogers), her husband Jordan, her twin sister Chelsea, our friend Angela Glade, and Steve Hall.  It was a blast to see them all as everybody has moved to different parts of the country and we very rarely see each other.

After that, we headed to Provo to go see Garrett and Leanne and the boys.  We had a brunch with them.  Leanne made this amazing french toast and syrup, it was delicious!!   Then we played games and kicked it.  Bradley was so excited for Santa to come and told us his entire wish list, it was so cute.

Then we headed back up to Murray to get ready for dinner.  Christmas Eve dinner is probably my favorite part of Christmas.  My mom makes an elaborate meal, we get to eat off of my Great-Grandma Olpin's China that my Grandpa brought back from the Orients for her when he fought in the war.  Following dinner, we got a chance to video conference with Brock's sister Rachel who is serving her mission in Kazakstan right now.  It was such a blast to talk to her and see her face.  She bore her testimony in Russian and it was absolutely beautiful and so sweet.  There is such a special and sacred night to worship our Savior and think about his humble example in life.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Video call with Rachel

Christmas morning we got up early.  Vicki and Logan were staying at Mom and Dad's too, so we were excited to watch them open presents.  It was super fun, Addie got a pink bike that she had been wanting.  They were so cute!  I got an awesome Whirley Pop popcorn maker and  Brock got a new set of scriptures.  Then we had Christmas breakfast, Caramel Rolls and Egg Souffle.  It was pretty slippery outside so rather than Grandma Neiswender coming over, Brock and I took breakfast to her so that we could see her before we left town.  After that we got to go up to Heber to see cousins and Grandma and Grandpa Olpin.  I always try to take advantage of a chance to see them because we never know when it will be the last time we see Grandpa.

Addie with her pink bike

As soon as we got back from Heber we hit the road back to Rexburg.  I had to work the following morning so we couldn't stick around.  It was nice to have time together with just the two of us on the holiday.  It was so much fun to have lots of time with the family and to not feel rushed.  We had time to do everything we wanted and I loved every minute of the trip.  I am so grateful for the holiday season and the joy that is felt during this time of year.

Oh ya, this was Brock's first white Christmas.