Christmas break.

2011 went out with a bang at my elementary school.  The kids practiced their little hearts out and had a winter festival showcasing everything they have learned about instruments, singing, drama and Latin dancing.  I always love seeing their elaborate costumes and how proud they are of what they've accomplished!  As mentioned previously, I went home fairly early for Christmas this year.  Mike joined me at my parents' house the evening of the 23rd and then the festivities began!

Before I left, I stocked up on some goodies at Trader Joe's.  I found this outside the store on the sidewalk and loved it.

We had a aebelskivers at Curt & Naomi's before Mike took me to the airport.  And Naomi made toffee (and sent an entire bag with me on the plane).  It was to die for and went perfectly with my diet coke.  I travel healthy, I tell ya.

One of the highlights of my visit home was getting together with the girls I grew up with (sans Rachel, unfortunately).  I was blessed to grow up in a neighborhood full of girls my age.  We went to elementary, middle, and high school together (for the most part).  It was so fun to get together with everyone and see where our lives have taken us!  We had a dessert night and I shared some Trader Joe's goodness!

My parents, Natalie and I all went to my favorite Indian Restaurant--Bombay House--before attending the Hue & Hum Christmas concert.  It was so fun to see Caitlin and Robbie performing together.  Their music is unique and beautiful, and I may or may not have cried a few times.  I also loved hearing Caitlin's new "loud voice."

Uh...did you know mint M&M's came in a package this big?  Me either.  That's why I actually bought them without thinking and suddenly found myself walking out of Smith's with them.

I made a Christmas card.

Christmas Eve was delightful, I forgot to take pictures, but it was full of delicious food, family and music.  Christmas Eve might be my favorite celebration of the year.

We brought Grandma from the nursing home to watch us open presents.  Unfortunately she had no idea who anyone was, but she sure loved the babies!  She spent most of her time cuddling with them and counting toes.

Caitlin (Hue) painted this lovely picture for my sister-in-law, Becca, who is new to motherhood and loving it.

 Alyse & Talmage.  They're about 1 month apart and soooooo cute!

I got to see my latest painting framed.  It looks great on the red wall, right?

We hung out at the new Natural History museum, and Mike read every possible detail about dinosaurs.  He is such a nerd about some things.  It's wonderful, and I love him.

We stayed at Dave & Kristin's part of the time and I spent lots of time with these munchkins!  I miss them so much!  We also celebrated Dave's birthday on the 27th, even though it's really the on the 28th!  He is soooooo old, I can't believe it!  Just kidding, Dave.

We celebrated Christmas with Mike's family at his Aunt & Uncle's house on the 28th, then headed to Cedar City on the 29th.  I don't have too many pictures from our stay because I was out of commission most of the time we were there.  We went on shopping trips to St. George, ate Cafe Rio, watched lots of movies, and relaxed.  We were so happy to be with family and I am grateful for great in-laws (and their patience with me)!

We took a trip one day to see a man's hunting collection.  Apparently he has an amazing collection of animals.   I only say "apparently" there because I don't really understand the whole hunting & showing the dead animals off thing.  But, he basically has a small museum full of animals he has hunted all over the world!  It was actually very cool.

I love this un-filtered picture of Cedar City at sunset!

Last night (on Mike's birthday), we flew back to San Francisco.  Our flight was delayed, but luckily we had lots to keep us busy while we waited.  I was so happy to be back here--I love this city so much and I never want to leave!

I packed up Christmas today.  Our little tree looked very pathetic when we arrived last night, and the apartment feels a bit empty without it.  I love the Christmas season and I always feel a bit sad to see it go, but I'm excited for 2012.  I sense some adventure coming...