Chistmas Eve Morning with Hailey & Riley

On the 24th we spent the morning with Hailey and Riley. Howie and Traci were both flying, so we got to spend some fun time with the kids. We were up and across the street at 4am! Thankfully, the kids didn't get up until 6:30 so we were able to go back to sleep for a bit.

We had a blast - Hailey and Riley are such good kids and kept us very entertained.

We played games....

They helped me decorate one of Stephen's presents - this was definitely the best decorated package of Christmas!

And we got a little rowdy with the nerf guns...

Stephen was the "Bad Man" according to Riley

Toyko Steakhouse with the Kumakuras

It's starting to be a Christmas tradition ... we spent the night before the night before Christmas with the Kumakuras at one of our favorite restaurants. It's always fun to catch up with them.

Singing Christmas Tree

We went and saw the Singing Christmas Tree with Stephen's mom and grandma this afternoon. It was a fun Christmassy way to spend the last Sunday before Christmas and a great reminder of the real reason for the season.

Kim's Wedding Shower

We celebrated Kim's shower this weekend. She's getting married in February and we are so excited for her and Mike!

Becca co-hosted the shower and did a fabulous job. Here she is announcing one of the games - I will admit these were probably the best games I've played at a shower - the prizes were really good and the competition was stiff - unfortunately, I did not win any of the games, but I did beat Angela at one and that's really all that matters ;)

presents

Law School Ladies

Kitty Fort

Yes, we made it for them ...

i realize this post makes us officially "crazy cat people" but it's just so darn cute!

Alumni Night at the Nutcracker

We had our first ever Alumni Night for Evergreen City Ballet on Saturday

It was a really great night!

The artistic director dragged me onstage before the show to talk a little bit about the alumni and what we are doing. Although I am very familiar with that particular stage, I have NEVER had to use my voice up there - It was scary! Yikes! Nevertheless, I got through it and had so much fun visiting with my old friends afterward.

A couple of us after the show

Tarah, Ashley, Carly, and Me

It's All About Ella!

We had a fun night this weekend with the Horwaths and the Hundahls

Mickey made us all dinner and Ella kept us very entertained.

The food was so good - it always is when Mickey cooks!

After dinner we bundled up and headed out to Zoolights!

Mickey and Eric made some delicious treats to take with us - This hot chocolate was seriously the best I've ever had!

So, unfortunately, this is the end of the blog post because when we arrived the park was already closed! It seems like we've been dealing with a lot of little bloopers like this lately - first getting all dressed up for a holiday party on the wrong day, and now getting all bundled up for a light show that was already closed! Oh well, we managed to have fun anyway - we always do with these guys!

Hansen Dental Office Party

Stephen's Office Holiday Party was on Friday at C.I. Shenanigans.

Stephen and his Dad are so appreciative of their staff - they couldn't do what they do without them, so this night was for them. Unfortunately, Stephen's dad came down with the flu so the floor was passed to Stephen to run the party.

We had a great time. I guess I was the designated photographer, because I didn't end up in a single picture! I promise was there :), and I had a wonderful time ... it's really fun to see everybody outside the office. They really have some wonderful people working at the office.

Carol and her husband, Joe. Carol makes the most delicious little peanut butter cakes and brings them to the party as gifts every year. They are so good, Stephen and I fight over them :)

Deanna and her husband, Joe.

Since Stephen's dad couldn't make it to the party, he sent an e-mail to Janice to read to everyone...

It was very funny!

Also, very sweet and heartfelt - he does love his staff.

Stephen's assistant Suzanne was sadly diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. She is battling it and we are praying so hard for her. Stephen adores her - she is just a joy to have around the office. She made a really sweet toast thanking everyone for their support.

Finally Stephen made his speech, thanking all the ladies for their hard work.

Of course he had to be a little silly...

... and then a little more serious. It got a bit emotional this year!

He did a great job - it was fun seeing him with all his staff.

O Christmas Tree

Pop the champagne ... we're decorating the tree!

It was a little crooked and bushy at first ... looks like I was right about Stephen's pick. We were just cracking up over our warped, messed-up little tree. I guess they can't all be perfect!

Nothing a pair of shears can't fix!

We love our little crooked, bushy tree! It's beaUtiful!

It's My Party & I'll Freeze If I Want To

I turned 25 again on Sunday and all I wanted to do for my birthday was get a Christmas Tree!

Champagne brunch with some of my favorite people before heading out to the tree farm.

Pfaff's Christmas Tree farm

I heart Christmas

It was about 25 degrees outside

We...

Were...

FREEZING!

Stephen found the tree - A Frasier

I wasn't 100% sold on it, but after doing my very best to find a better one, I had to agree that it was our tree

I guess Santa heard it was my birthday because he stopped by to say hello :)

No better way to spend my day!