CHRISTMAS

This year Christmas was very fun.  Alex was old enough to be excited about opening presents even though she still doesn't understand about Santa and Christmas.  She liked looking at the Christmas tree everyday and she always commented on the pictures of "baby Jesus."  We tried to go see Santa at Bass Pro Shop but we didn't know you had to go ahead of time and get tickets.  By the time we got there they were all out of tickets.  Luckily they had a carousel that Mike took Alex on.  Alex also liked looking at the fish in the fish tank and all the stuffed animals on the wall.

We spent Christmas Eve with my family.  Spencer had two of his brothers over with their families.  With all of the kids we had a very full Nativity.  Christmas morning we spent at home and then went over to Mike's parent's for brunch.  After eating we opened up presents, watched movies, and played games.

I was excited to take Alex to see the temple lights.  She loved looking at the lights and seeing "baby Jesus."  The night was chilly and Mike and Alex ended up with a cold.  Shane and I were snug and warm together.

At Bass Pro Shop

At Bass Pro Shop

Christmas morning

MIKE'S BIRTHDAY

Mike got off of work early so we could have lunch together.  After lunch we went to the zoo and then met his family for dinner at Red Robin's.  His cousin's wife was graduating from ASU so we all went out to eat to celebrate with her.  After dinner we had them over for cake and ice cream.  For the past several months I worked on a king size jeans blanket.  I was very proud of the way it turned out.  Since we are moving to Indiana it will come in very handy.

GRAD SCHOOL

We have officially heard back from all four of the schools where we applied (University of Wisconsin, University of North Carolina, Indiana University, and BYU).  Mike was accepted to Indiana University and even offered a graduate assistantship!  We are excited for the new adventure ahead and we are proud of Mike for all his hard work.