for someone who can't stand hearing christmas music after christmas

it's kind of ironic that he woke up with this in his head this morning.



Yep, John Williams' theme music to Home Alone.

Enjoy! (I know you all will).

two christmases

We started out at my mom's house after waking up on Camano Island, changing Emory's diaper, brushing our teeth, and leaving with a sippy cup full of smoothie for the car ride. Greeted by the beautiful tree and new-pajama clad, we settled in to unwrap stocking prizes and munch on goodies.

Emory loved opening presents, but Amber had to remind him several times that the paper wasn't the goods. After getting interested in what was once inside the wrapping, we would only take it away to make him open another gift. The whole process must be pretty overwhelming for a little guy, if you think about it.


Then with the table set, we devoured our gourmet breakfast of eggs benedict with dungeness crab and spinach as accompaniments. (Possibly the most decadent and delicious Christmas tradition my family shares).


Finally, (everyone had to wait for me to satisfy my hungry belly) we opened gifts. I love exchanging gifts as a close family because we all know each other pretty well, and it's a treat to share with those we love.

We arrived at our second Christmas morning mid-day, and after showering dug into the gifts at the Beutler's house.


And spent the rest of the day preparing the Christmas feast: standing rib roast, bussels sprouts browned with cheese, sauteed mushrooms, ratatouille, rolls I made the day before, and a couple vegan dishes including yummy mashed potatoes and fabulous apple pie with coconut milk ice cream.


Cooking time may or may not have included playing with new toys.

We love having both our families close together and being able to share big holiday dinners with those we love the most. It's always a little sad when Christmas is over, but the new year brings new adventures. We have some big decisions to make coming up, so we know 2011 will be full of changes (hopefully mostly good ones) for our lives.

merry christmas to all, and to all a good night!

our Christmas Eve evening, documented

and as a gift, the little man started walking for real 2 days ago, just in time for Christmas--yay Emory!

and the weekend was good

My blogging absence is due in part to a most wonderful visit from my most wonderful grandma. I love that she came to see us over a long weekend. I love that we'll be living much closer to her very soon. And most of all, I love that Emory knows her because she's so special to me. He spent his time this weekend getting spoiled with books upon books and snuggles and someone to chat with in the morning from his crib. He loved it. And we loved getting to take her to the little man's well-child check, attending a session at the Salt Lake Temple for her first time there (the best was the look on her face when she saw the beautiful interior of the temple), celebrating the season with our ward at the Christmas party, watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in person from the Conference Center, and walking around Temple Square to see all the beautiful Christmas joy. It was a fabulous time, mingled with packing several boxes too, and I'm so sad that my grandma is gone. Thankfully, I get to see her again next week. I may be pretty spoiled this year, because I think I've seen my grandma more times since Emory was born than I have in the previous 5 or so years combined, thanks to school and my mission and such. I am a lucky, lucky granddaughter.

happy december

December means that we're moving in a very short two weeks and two days. So it also means packing has begun. Place my fears aside (maybe they're still left over from our move last spring), but Emory really enjoyed the packing of the living room. He climbed on and off the boxes to his little heart's content. I just hope his good attitude about it all remains through the packing of the rest of the house, though I'm so grateful for gracious family and friends who will be helping us. I'm also so grateful that we have movers coming. I can't begin to explain the glory of not having to drive a huge rear wheel drive truck across the Blue Mountains, down Cabbage Hill, and eventually across Snoqualmie Pass. Also, Jon and I decided to do about 93% of our Christmas shopping online this year. Best. Decision. Ever. Cheers to December! Cheers to packing! Cheers to Christmas!