Christmas Cheer

 {Christmas Day golf. In shorts. Without frostbite.}

We had a magical three weeks off for Christmas. And after spending a few years in the working world, we embraced a Christmas break wholeheartedly . . .  and milked it for all it was worth. We stayed busy spending time in Louisiana, Texas, Utah, and Idaho. 

We started off in New Orleans and spent a couple of glorious weeks in 60-70 degree weather. Christmas was amazing as always. My parents manage to make me feel like a little kid again every year. It really was heaven. 

{Miles of Christmas Eve bonfires guiding Santa into the Big Easy. It's always a party in New Orleans.}

{Ah, Christmas morning. Santa came!}

Tay got to golf everyday and I was able to attempt running again since the first time in July. Warm weather was good for the fat old ankle.

{Christmas Eve line-dancing with some new friends at a shelter}

We ate crazy amounts of desserts, (including Mamma and sister Bowen's homemade chocolates), fresh seafood, key lime pie, and other southern deliciousness. We welcomed 2009 on our back porch and were able to celebrate all together as a family. Baby New Year came and filled our shoes and we were off for a few eventful days in Houston. More on that later. 

{Baby New Year made it down the chimney to fill our shoes on New Years Day.}

Next up: Sugarbowl. My Dad hooked us up with some awesome seats and I don't think I've ever seen Tay and Cam so excited. It was a fabulous game and we wore our Utah shirts with pride. Even if we are all Aggies at heart.

Then we headed to the winter wonderland that we call Utah. It was so much fun visiting our old neighborhood and seeing wonderful family and friends. Utah looked like a marshmallow (unlike the icicle that is Nebraska) and we had a great time loving on our nieces and nephews. We were spoiled to pieces by the Benson fam, and loved every second of it. 

Mamma Kath was nice enough to drive up with us to Idaho Falls where we were able to meet the newest addition to the Benson Family . . . adorable baby Hayes. Perfect in every way! 

It's good to be back home and back into our routine, but oh, it was a nice break. And wow, do we love our families. 

To see the rest of the pictures, click here.