It's the MOST WONDERFUL time of the year!!!

I think Christmas time is probably the best time of year! I LOVE putting up decorations and candy and presents and christmas lights. Of course you can't forget the real reason for Christmas and I don't. But I can't help but feel jolly at the thought of it. We celebrated this year with my family and my MANY crazy relatives! We kicked off the season with my mom's family Christmas party and her side of the family. The night didn't end in a brawl so i would say it was a success.

Still the same ole' same ole'...

Grandma Hall

Mom and Aunt Kim Hall

Cousin Johanna (who is due in March with Baby Jax)

Grandpa Hall and Matt (Johanna's husband)

Uncle Mike Hall and Garrett

Cousin Kyle (Mike and Kim Hall's son)

Easton LOVES olives! (Johanna's first boy) CUTIE!!!

Cousins Crystal, Will, and Chris

Uncle Mike, Mom, and Aunt Kim Marini

A week later we were in Thatcher celebrating MY GRADUATION FROM NURSING SCHOOL!!! I would say that it was the crowning moment in my life (being born, being married to Bradford, and possibly making it through my teenage years alive). The Gradparents Brown and Grandparents Hall drove down to watch as well as my mom, dad, and Garrett. The in-laws also made an appearance. I can't express how thouroughly excited I am to be done and be able to move on!!! I also appreciate how much support I have recieved from friends and family, especially Bradford for putting up with my EXTREME grumpiness for the past two years. NCLEX here I come!

The week after graduation we were back down in Surprise to spend christmas with my family. It was a little different since Derek (who is usually the life of the party) is still on a mission. We opened christmas presents that morning and it started with Mom crying over a plaque my grandpa made her with Derek's mission things on it. She was bawling and of course we couldn't let her live it down all morning. Derek was supposed to call around 10-12 that morning...well we waited and waited and around 4 he called and he sounds like a completely different person. I knew he was different when he said his mission president gave a "sweet prayer", a word not in Derek's vocabulary before the mish...DORK!!! I am so glad he is doing well and keeping the faith.

Until next year...MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!