Christmas Break

So, Christmas break has come and gone.  This is my last night of freedom, so of course, I resign myself to the computer to recount the wonderful memories.  I'm sorry there aren't any pictures, but I'll try to be brief.


The last day of school before break was packed with goodies: award ceremony, visiting with reading buddies (our first grade friends that we read with), and Christmas party!  It turned out really well and I definitely spent a lot less money this year because the kids brought most of the treats.  And of course, the students who promised to stay to help clean up disappeared as soon as the bell rang.  Go figure. 

We went to the Kelly Christmas party on the 17th and got to experience some family fun and home-cooking.  We spent the rest of the weekend playing games and watching movies with Adam's fam in San Manuel. 

Adam still had to work (have I mentioned what his job is yet?  He's an investigator for the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.  Basically, he conducts interviews regarding background checks verifying information for licensure and complaints against licensees.  It's really combined all of his interests: psychology, law, and criminal profiling.  A perfect job where he never gets bored.  He beat out over 300 applicants!  He got a trial spot in which he competed with one other qualified applicant that is no longer in the running.  Congratulations, Adam!).

So anyway, Adam still had to work up until Christmas Eve, and I would be bored around the house by myself, so I spent a few days in Clay Springs with Nana!  We baked cookies, played hand and foot, and watched several Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.  It was a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.  I haven't ever had alone time with Nana and Gramps, so it was fun to get spoiled again. :)

I left Friday afternoon (after all the snow had melted enough for me to drive home--thank you for a White Christmas though!) to be home in time to meet Mom and David when they came into town.  We had dinner at Red Robin and spent the rest of the evening showing off our new house and catching up.

We ran a few errands on Christmas Eve, but mostly relaxed.  We saw a concert at the Mesa Temple that evening as we walked around and saw the beautiful lights.  Mom helped me make donuts (a new Wilkinson family tradition that I intend to improve upon each year).

On Christmas day, we just went to church, came home and opened gifts, and spent the rest of the day playing with them!  Adam got me a KITCHENAID MIXER!  I told him it really would have been helpful the night before to make the donuts, but he said it would only make me appreciate it more, which I do!  I look forward to many hours of baking with my new toy.  :)  We also got a new toaster, some camping equipment, and a Really nice gift card for our anniversary.  More about that in a minute.

Monday was also a lazy day, but I did take Mom and David to the Bass Pro Shop to discover its many wonders.

Tuesday we went to the temple in the morning and then said goodbye. I made my first batch of bread with my mixer (also to be improved upon later).  That night Adam and I had a FANTASTIC meal at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, thanks to the generous gift card from Annie for Christmas, in celebration of our 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!  I can hardly believe it's been 3 whole years.  We both admit we never thought we'd be here by now (with a house and 2 good jobs, instead of an apartment with law school debt).  Heavenly Father has a way of putting things in our path when we need them. We feel truly blessed!  We then went and saw Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows--good movie, not as good as the first, but that one was hard to beat.

Then we pretty much relaxed for the rest of the week. 

Friday I went shopping and got some good deals on Adam's shirts and some new bathroom furnishings (it helps a LOT).  Then I picked up Adam and we went out to his parents house.  Megan and I practiced our duet for New Year's Day, then we played games.  I love board games with family!  Boxers or Briefs is our new favorite.

Saturday we practiced our song at the church, then had a New Year's Eve lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Kelly, Aunt Carol, the Wilkinsons and the Wallaces.  Delish!  We made donuts with a new recipe that beats any donut I've ever eaten, seriously.  There was much jubilation and rejoicing over the new found recipe, including things like, "It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!"  This recipe will definitely be put to good use.  We rang in the new year at 10pm (trying to get the kids in bed earlier) with poppers, sparklers, and noisemakers.  We recounted the best parts of 2011 (ours being the move to Mesa and being closer to family), made a toast to the new year, and went to bed.

Today, Sunday, Megan and I sang "What Child is This?" for Sacrament Meeting in San Manuel.  I've never done a duet before, but judging by the response, they want us back for more, so that's a good sign!  We came home for lunch and games, then left to come back home.

Tomorrow I'll be back to the daily routine, while Adam gets one day off to relax and take a vacation from the vacation.  :)  2011 has been a terrific year and it will be hard to beat!  But we have high hopes that 2012 will be just as happy and exciting for us all.  We are grateful for family, the gospel, good jobs, and good health (well, when Adam gets over this cold).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!