Christmas Catch-up

So we are in Amarillo now, and for the most part, we are all settled in.

Blake takes off for Disney in a few days and then we are started in on the long haul of this adventurous endeavor.
So, now I actually have time to catchup on all the wonderful happening of these last for weeks.

So we had an interesting Thanksgiving...not sure if elaborated, but I got very sick and Michelle was stressed with all the cooking and so the dinner turned out-well, lets just say that it was substandard. Anyways, Blake and I put that quickly behind us and buckled down to finish our last semester. We did take the weekend though and decorated the house for the holidays. Here is a picture of Alex helping to decorate the tree...

Such a wonderful little helper!
A week later, my folks came out to visit and to be here for my college graduation.
We had a great time with Mom and Dad G. and my siblings. We ate good food and had good laughs. It is always a wonderful time when my folks are in town. While there, I took Alex to go and see Santa. It didn't go as well as I hoped...
He refused to sit on his lap, but hopefully next year we will be all warmed up and excited.
I did however get a picture.

Who knew that Santa could be so scary, right Alex?
Its all right though. He enjoyed talking about the jolly man all season. I just don't think he expected to see him in person.

Merry Christmas, Mango!
She and my Santa decor pillow had become fast friends.
Even though it has been difficult adjusting to having a pet around, she has really been a blessing to our family. We love her immensely.

My folks decided to do Christmas early since we were all together (it is something we have done every year since we got married). So we put together a huge Christmas dinner at my place and we got together a stuffed ourselves. I think that main idea behind the dinner is to make up for not having Thanksgiving as a family. And since my Thanksgiving was pretty much a bust this year, it was nice to actually feel well enough to eat all the delicious food.

Mmm, turkey and stuffing!
Very satisfying and delectable.

My parents, Blake's mom, and Garry and Michelle all brought the gifts to exchange with everyone. Well, you know what I mean...we all contributed to the gift exchange. Alex was spoiled. He got a couple a books, a super cool fix-it LeapFrog car, a Disney Cars laptop, and some hot wheels. He was in seventh heaven.

Rachel drew Blake and me a picture! She is really transforming her talent and has been doing some great things with it. This is supposed to be a picture of our family (me, Blake, and Alex) inspired by Pride and Prejudice which is my favorite Jane Austen movie. I think she got us spot on! I was so impressed. Michelle got one too, and it was inspired by Sense and Sensibility, which is Michelle's favorite story and movie. Such a wonderful surprise and gift.
Dad cross stitched a Rexburg Temple for me and Blake with our wedding date on it. It also has Alex's birthday and room so that we can add our future children to it. This was such a well thought out gift and a great reminder about the great blessing of our eternal family.

Rachel and Jacob being goofballs.

Blake's mom, Lisa, came to visit for the graduation and she got to be here for the dinner. It was great to have her with us and to include her in the family activities. It was great to bring both families together, considering the mis-communications that we have had in the past.
Overall, the week before graduation was a wonderful and memorable one.
Hope next year will be just as wonderful!
I truly have a wonderful life!