Christmas Break Activities

I love Christmas break. No schedules, no agendas, no nothing. We're free to play and enjoy activities day after day. This year we packed in the fun. Bowling, painting, skating, and the movies were just a few. Our favorite activities were tubing (featured earlier), and our visit to the NC aquarium. It was impressive. They had some very exciting exhibits and exotic animals that we've never before seen, including an albino alligator. With a surprise stop to Macaroni Grill after, it was definitely a family favorite.

Christmas/New Years '13

We had a Brazilian Christmas Eve feast this year. Ham, Arroz e feijão, Christmas rice, and salpicão. It was absolutely delicious. The kids were very excited Christmas morning to see if Santa really came. Since they're such great kiddos, they were in luck. Many exciting gifts were given and have been immensely enjoyed over the past week. We also enjoyed a fantastic New Years with great friends and food. I'm happy to report we made it past midnight at their house and rang in the New Year with all awake except the youngest two Ballard's. We are so grateful for this Christmas season, to spend time with family and friends, and most especially to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. How lucky we are to have a knowledge of Him and of His perfect example and sacrifice. From our home to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Christmas Prep

December started off with a bang as we began preparations for the Christmas season. Dad's hospital work party was awesome. Our church had a Christmas brunch that included an ugly sweater contest. I came in 3rd. We played many games, ate way to many treats, celebrated BYU's final football game, and trimmed the tree to perfection. It was a great start to a great season.