Christmas 2013

This year for Christmas, we were lucky enough to get to spend time with both our families. 

First, we went to Drumheller from December 20-22 to spend Christmas with my side of the family. We didn't go to Cardston because Brian and Sarah were in charge of a large portion of the Branch's nativity pageant on the Saturday. 

On Friday night, we went to a Dino's alumni game for the senior boy's team. Brian was able to play (jersey #8) and my dad reffed. The alumni faced the current senior team and let's just say those high school kids didn't stand a chance. The alumni were about twice as tall and beat them by more than double the points. The game was fun to watch and I also got to catch up with a few of my old teammates/classmates from my senior high school basketball team. 

Top Left to Right: Lacey Wilson, Kelsie Campbell
Bottom Left to Right: Brandin Gwinner, Chalene Kuefler, Kirby Travis, and Me

After the game, Jared and I went over to my friend Alyssa's house. We half watched Harry Potter and chatted it up for a couple hours. I hadn't seen them for a long time so it was nice catching up. 

Ashley, Kendra, Alyssa, and me sprawled out over everyone

This was supposed to be our funny face picture

 The rest of the weekend, we spent at Brian & Sarah's (the old Fisher house). We ate a lot of food, played a lot of games, and generally had fun together. I took lots of pictures of my little nephew Carter because he is just so dang cute. He usually is not a super happy baby but I caught him smiling a few times.

Dad has awesome bed-head.

 On Saturday, we attended the annual nativity put on by the Drumheller Branch. We usually did it outside when we lived there but this year they decided to do it indoors (smart people). I didn't get any pictures of the actual performance but this is basically how it went: Natalie was one of the angels but was not necessarily an angel at heart... she stole the show by jumping/dancing around the stage during the performance and during the musical numbers. Then she tried stealing Baby Jesus from Mary. Pure entertainment! Sorry Brian and Sarah...

On Saturday night, my mom gave Sarah, Amanda and me matching white hats. Together, we looked like members of the musical group, TLC. I felt like we needed to burst out into "Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls". But I really love the hats, they are super cute. Thanks, Mom!

 On Sunday, we went to church at the Drumheller Branch and then went back to Brian & Sarah's for dinner. After dinner, we packed up and went our separate ways. Mom, Dad, Jonathan & Amanda packed up and headed to Cardston and then immediately to Utah to spend Christmas with Erin & Darrin. Jared and I packed up and headed back to Calgary to quickly repack and head up to Airdrie. By Sunday evening, we were in Airdrie with Jared's parents for the rest of Christmas.

On Monday, Lexi and I took a trip back to Calgary (I forgot my suitcase on Sunday) and then hit up Cross Iron Mills mall on the way back. We got some delicious smelly soaps at Bath & Body Works and then got some Yogen Fruz on our way out. Delish!

In the afternoon, I decided to explore Airdrie and took a jog around some of the running paths near Jared's parents house. It was a nice run, not too cold! At one point, I had two big dogs running after me and jumping up on my legs. They were nice dogs luckily but it still got my adrenaline pumping! 

On Tuesday, Christmas Eve, Jason and Caitlin came over to spend the evening with us. We went to the Airdrie Festival of Lights to walk around and see all the beautiful light displays. 

When we got home from the lights, we had some hot chocolate and got our Christmas jammies! Lexi and I got matching Mickey Mouse onesies and Jared & Jason got some plaid PJ bottoms (Caitlin went home to spend the rest of Christmas Eve with her family at this point). Jared was supposed to take a picture of Lexi and I in our jammies but Jared decided to take a selfie of himself instead...oh well, at least he's actually smiling in a picture for once! After that, I took matters into my own hands and took a selfie of myself in my onesie...proof that I should never take pictures of myself!

And finally, Christmas Day!!! The best day of all! Although I didn't take many pictures, we had a great day! We woke up, had breakfast and then opened up our stockings and presents. I got a lot of great running clothes and gear, some cookbooks, some gift cards and lots more! Jared and I were definitely spoiled this year. My presents to Jared were an electric razor and a Star Wars quilt I managed to make for Jared while he wasn't home. He was definitely surprised!

After presents, we had the opportunity to talk to Jared's brother, James, on Skype. He is currently serving his mission in Ohio until his visa goes through to allow him to serve in the Netherlands/Belgium mission. He looked so happy! We were so glad to talk to him and see how he was doing. For the rest of the day, we lounged around, played games, and had a great dinner. Jared's Grandma Trainer was with us so it was also nice chatting with her and making her laugh. 

Definitely a great Christmas all around! I love spending this time of year with my family and feeling the spirit of Christmas. We had a great spiritual discussion talking about the true meaning of Christmas and I was able to make some goals of what I want to do this year to give gifts to Christ instead of thinking of myself all of the time. Hopefully I can be a better person by next Christmas. 

Merry Christmas to all!