Have a cup of Christmas Cheer

Our first Christmas back in Utah was a success! I loved being able to spend Christmas in our newly finished basement, wake up Christmas morning in my own bed and being able to spend a little more time with all of our family rather than having to hurry back to the warmth of Arizona.

Mc made out like a bandit! I was especially excited this year to give her the kitchen that my Grandpa had made for me when I was two. He so lovingly and skillfully refinished it and I was set with the task of fake food, dishes and the like. I wish we would have given her this present last because she didn't want to open all the other gifts- just play with the fake food and the kitchen. I really wish I had taken some before pictures. It was a dark brown wood with a yellowing counter top...all redone. I also took a picture of the back. You can see my grandpa's beautiful penmanship- the first "Merry Christmas Tisha 1984 Grandpa Jim" and then Mckinley's, "Merry Christmas Mckinley 2010 Great Grandpa Jim". Such a cool memento- we were both two years old. Just so grateful for my Grandpa and his willingness to do that for me. Overall, she was loaded up with dinosaurs, books, clothes, candy and pretend lipstick (which also made the favorite present cut). The only downside to Christmas for Mc, not having an advent calendar the day after- every day since, the first thing she asks for is as chocolate. She also took a liking to "How the Grinch stole Christmas", called "Inch" at our house and I don't think we will be finding it on TV so regularly.

You can just see the excitement....

Mark and I also had an amazing Christmas. Mark got pretty much everything related to Cafe Racers (the new rage in motorcycles) as well as our little escapade to a Bed and Breakfast, commencing this evening. Mark gave me a Shark vacuum- (for real, how did I live without a lightweight vacuum with hardwood floors??), a GPS and my coveted Hello Kitty watch. We got a wireless printer (hallelujah), Les Mis tickets (excited!!!) and I was given a Brother "Project Runway" sewing machine. Still terrified to give it a whirl but it comes with an instructional DVD...so maybe soon. Our parents are amazingly gracious and we are so blessed.

Mark and I also went all out to win @ the Ellison Christmas Eve party- I was a genius and forgot my camera so...those pics to come later. Christmas 2010 was a success. Next year, we will have two kids and Mc will have a better understanding of what Christmas is all about. Here is to hoping your New Years is awesome and 2011 is even better!