since you've been gone

Holidays came and went blissfully. I love setting up the holidays and all the cheer that accompanies it. I also love getting back to normal.

Here is our tree that claimed 6 Feet and is really only 5'. It is from Walmart... what did I expect? A little tree fits perfect in our little apartment.

Some of my favorite little girls from church came over to make Christmas cookies with me. I put the Bosch on the floor so they could help with every step. We had a fantastic time adding ingredients, eating the dough, cutting out the shapes, eating more dough, frosting the cookies, eating the cookies, frosting, and toppings..... and then cleaning up the vomit because one of the little girls apparently had too much sugar let it all come back up. I get it. There is a reason why little kids shouldn't have a ton of sugar. I am a work in progress ok.

We spent the holidays with Allen's family in Utah. Lovely. Here is the whole crew. You can't tell, but Catherine (with the pink scarf) is pregnant. We have a nephew coming in May. Just wonderful!

While the boys hit the slopes, the girls hit the salon. I really needed to catch up on my Vogue Magazine. You know, life is just good.

We also went to a scuba class. Turns out I couldn't make it past the shallow end of the pool and after 30 minutes, I was done. Who knew I would panic under water? It was fun to try and everyone else loved it!

Allen's good friend Dave Sorenson came for a visit. He has been in basic training down in Fort Jackson, South Carolina and decided to hang with us before going home for the holidays. He wore his army uniform to church and was a celebrity. It was cool to see how many people wanted to shake his hand and thank him for his service.

While he stayed with us we promised not to yell or curse at him, a dramatic change from his drill sergants. He also taught me that you are not supposed to salute while indoors... who knew?

Naturally, we took him to Mac's for some good BBQ while in he South.

Are you ready for this??

The Ritz Carlton in Charlotte had a LIFE SIZE, REAL gingerbread house on display for the holidays in the lobby. This is really like a fantasy of mine. I can't even begin to describe the aroma that filled your entire being upon entering. Let's just say I have a new life goal. Someday I will build a life size gingerbread house.

They even have a gingerbread mail box...

Welcome 2011. We have high hopes for what you will bring. Grad school, new place to live, things to learn, things to see, people to meet .... possibilities are endless. I like it that way. Happy New Year Friends.