Holiday Happenings

December is always a wonderful month, but this year it was extra special because we had Stella with us for the first time!  We were able to enjoy a lot of fun holiday happenings that December brings.  We started off the month by seeing the lights at Thanksgiving Point.  Sadly, we didn't make it to Temple Square this year...every night that we had available seemed to be WAY too cold to go out.  But Thanksgiving Point is great because you get to stay in your car the whole time and just slowly drive through.  Stella was fascinated by all of the twinkling lights that surrounded us.

We had the annual Greenwell family Ornament Party on December 9th at my parents' house.  We always have soups and goodies, and then play the ornament exchange game (basically a white elephant exchange but with ornaments instead).  This is always a fun tradition, and we ended up with some good ones this year!

Stella especially loved playing in all of the tissue and wrapping paper.

 On the 16th, we made the trip down to Manti for the Cox family Christmas Party.  We enjoyed good food and good company, most of whom we don't get to see more than a couple of times each year.  We played and sang Christmas carols together (why I have no pictures of this moment, I have no idea!) and then played the favorite dart game.  We each took turns throwing darts at the balloons, all of which have a piece of paper with different amounts of money written on them, ranging anywhere from $1 to $50.  Josh and I together won a total of $7.  You could say we didn't come out on top this year ;)  But it was still very much worth the trip!  Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Cox for providing us with this fun tradition every year.  It is a favorite...and not only because of the money involved!

Later that week we headed to Heidi and Jason's house for a night of dinner, gingerbread house decorating, and games. We first started this tradition last year and it has been so fun!  Heidi and Jason are such wonderful hosts and are so gracious for providing dinner and gingerbread houses (or in our case, a train) for all of us.  

I loved every second of this Holiday Season.  The joy that it brings to everyone is always so uplifting and inspiring to me.  Plus, having a little one makes it that much more enjoyable.  I wish it could be Christmastime all the time!  I hope your holidays were as wonderful as ours.  Here's to next year!