christmas morning.

Christmas morning is by far my most favorite part of the holiday season. It being our first Christmas as husband and wife made this year all the more special. We got up early, turned on all our Christmas lights, and made breakfast. I chose to bake this monkey bread recipe I found off Pinterest. It was so easy and tasty. I have decided to make it a yearly tradition. Here's the link if you're interested: 

http://stamps4fun.blogspot.com/2011/10/traditions.html

And here are pictures courtesy of the blog:

The main reason I love Christmas morning is how much of a little family I feel with Stephen when we get up in the wee hours and open our stockings and presents. There is so much love shared. And not because of the presents. We have created our own traditions. And I love that about us.

 Stephen went to Mimosa Studios and painted ornaments of us to commemorate our year or marriage. Adorable.

 My fossil crossbody! YAY!

 VEST.

christmas eve.

Stephen and I hosted Christmas eve at our apartment with his family this year. We made a full spread for dinner and then opened presents. It was so wonderful to be able to spend Christmas with his whole family this year! 

Watching our nephew Everett open his presents was absolutely ADORABLE. Little kids are so cute. Christmas is more fun with them by far. And our gift was quite a hit : Woody and Buzz!

Merry Christmas Eve!

family christmas festivities.

Well it is officially December 26th. Christmas is over. But what a month we had! I have been so busy I forgot to post about some more activities Stephen and I did with my family. 

Taking a tip from Stephen's side, we had my family over for Christmas cooking decorating. It was really sweet how much my family appreciated me inviting them over. And there were some surprise artists in the house. Next year, I want to try gingerbread houses!

After cookies, we headed to Peacock Lane. It was crowded beyond belief. But we all had a great time together!

Grotto.

Last Thursday night, I went with my family to the Grotto Festival of Lights. We're trying this year to do more Christmas activities as a family. This was first on our list. The rain held out while we walked around the area and we even took in a few songs from the GHS choir (mainly because Taylor's boyfriend is in it!).

It was a perfect family night!

Oh p.s. I had no idea how religious this place was. If you are thinking of looking at lights somewhere, I'd vote for zoo lights. The admission price at $8 was pretty steep for the amount of lights you saw.