It wasn't white this year....

A few hours working on a Christmas card, three homes, three Christmas days, extended family parties, conference center performance, Temple Square lights, a dozen dinners, and a papercut free wrapping experience later........

 Christmas morning.....some 12:00-1:00 shot. I'm thinking this is our tradition for years to come.

 World's most frustrating 'busy' puzzle that we have ever attempted.......most pieces were smaller than a dime....gr

 Note* not pictured are the creators behind the standing structures....my friend and I tested a few methods after I carelessly discarded the included toothpicks in my gingerbread making bonanza. We spent the morning building the houses, and the boys got to decorate.

 Best wrapping job that I have ever seen:D It's what you do when you don't have time to wrap...use the same sheet of paper for ever gift...delicately retrieving it from the previously 'wrapped' gift.

temple square

I love visiting Temple Square, and I'm sad to say that D was the one who had to push me to go this time. It was nice to go back to the place where we were married and reflect on life since then. You hear that the best things in life are free. In regards to money this is true when it comes to picking a direction and goal for your life. We watched Father of the Bride right after we got engaged. While we walked around a particular dialogue came to mind...

"the church is free"....

"Finally something that doesn't cost anything"

"I meant it is... available"....

Being a member doesn't cost anything but time, energy and your desire to be dedicated. Being sealed forever doesn't cost money either. WE are now up to two amazing things that are free:D Finally something I don't have to work into our bills each month, however, I would gladly pay through the roof for both if necessary.

winner for this year's FOT

Festival of Trees:D

Favorite Tree: You can't see it very well, but at the base of this tree has a little set up from the movie:D Christmas + monsters = :D

 Most 'fun' find: Oreos, oreos and more oreos

Made me smile the biggest: Tangled Tree!! The chameleon is my favorite part of this movie.

 Best 'full presentation': They used the hose for the tree skirt.....

 Best Surprize: I asked Darren why no one would just submit Snoopy's house decorated for Christmas, and within a minute we spotted this down the aisle!

 Most classic: This little droopy tree with a safety blanket at the base.

 Darren's Theme: PIRATES!!!!

 Best Harry Potter Tree: We have seen so many over the last few years. This one takes the cake. I think they made most of the objects from the movie/books....a journal with a hole in it, the snitch, wands, Decrees from the Ministry, and glasses.

 Best Gingerbread House: Tangled wins again. You can't tell from the picture, but Flynn was actually spinning on her long hair!