Date Night

Last night, Brett and I, Alyssa and Kellen, and Macy and her boyfriend Drew all went up to temple square to see the lights. It was a beautiful night. It was snowing and just gorgeous. This weekend we met Drew and he seems very nice. They are getting pretty serious and have pretty much decided that they will get married this summer. They are very cute together.

After we left the temple, Brett turned down what I thought was the wrong road to get to the freeway. It turns out he had set up a night in a hotel in Salt lake as a late anniversary surprise. It was really cute and he was proud that he was able to keep it a secret. I love that boy.

Christmas 2009

Christmas was so great this year. It just reminds me of how blessed we are to have such a great family. There was a lot of firsts this year without Nana. We miss her everyday and I'm not sure Christmas Eve will ever be quite the same without her. Here are a few pictures of Christmas this year. Along with our new family picture on my side of the family.

We went over to Brett's Uncle Waynes house on Christmas Eve. It was really fun to catch up with the whole family. Then we headed over to Papa's house, did caroling, sub for santa, then went back to my moms house and waited for Santa to come. My brother Dallin is 12 years old. He really wanted to stay out and meet Santa this year. He just wouldnt let it go so he had to be told that Santa is not real. This was done on Christmas eve and he was pretty upset. But the evening continued and soon he got over it.
All in all it was a fabulous Christmas.

Traditions

I love Christmas time! I grew up with a lot of traditions- most of them we still do in our family. It is fun to grow older and have more appreciation for traditions and to be able to start a few of our own. I am excited for the future when I can have these traditions be a part of my childrens lives.

Christmas eve at Nana and Papa's- This tradition has been in place for as long as I remember. We all go over there to be with our cousins, aunts, uncles and Nana and Papa. This year will be a bit different without Nana. And Papa is out in California for the holidays so we wont have either one of them. Growing up, Nana and the girls would cook all week in preparation Christmas Eve. Nana made her homemade wassail and we put plates of goodies together to take to the families we went caroling to. There is always a bit of singing around the piano as well.

Caroling on Christmas Eve- This is a tradition that I hope we never stop. Each family chooses two other families to go caroling to on Christmas Eve. We have about 3 families that we have gone to every year since I can remember. They love it! And since out family is so musically talented- why not share it with others.

Hide from Santa- After the family get together and caroling, we go back home to my Mom's house to get ready for Santa to come. My family has always done Christmas on Christmas Eve. I think it started because my parents divorced when i was young and this way- we never missed either Christmas.
We read stories about Christmas and then open our stockings- (we draw names and stuff each others stockings). Soon, we hear bells outside of my house. The kids all run to the bathroom and shut the door while Santa unloads all the presents. We listen to Santa talk about how good we had all been and how tired he was from flying around the world. When he is gone- we run back out to see what he left us! Then we one by one open our gifts which usually lasts late into the night.

Now that I am married, Brett and I go to the Smith party on Christmas Eve for a short time. They have some wonderful traditions also. They do a dinner and the kids do a nativity scene and a talent show. We like to try to be there as long before we leave to catch the caroling with my family. Christmas Day is always spent over at the Smith's house.

Traditions are a wonderful thing and I am very grateful for them and for all the memories I have had through my life at Christmas time.

Maddex Jaxon Wilcox

My Step Brother and Sister in law had their 4th little one yesterday. He is so so cute! He looks just like the other 2 boys. I am so happy to have another nephew. He weighed in at 6 pounds 15 ounces. Very darling.

the big 26

Yesterday was Brett's 26th birthday. Yes- he is getting old! I attempted to make a cake... apparently I am not good at it... it broke into about 5 pieces when I took it out of the pan... but I frosted it all up and it turned out fine and it tasted good.

We both had the day off so it was fun to get to spend the day together.
Happy Birthday Sweetie! I love you!We put up our Christmas tree and nativity and lights outside!! Our tree is a small one- since we have nowhere to put a big one. I am very excited for Christmas and even more excited for Brett to Graduate and not have school anymore and I get to see him more!

The pictures are from my phone- so they are not the best but I got my camera back today!! I missed her so!