Christmas 2014

   Even though this was our first Christmas without our families, I think this Christmas was one of my favorites!  We definitely didn't throw a big one, and it definitely didn't require much thought and planning, but it turned out just as magical as any.
     We were naughty this year and opened all of our presents from family and for Scarlett right when they arrived in the mail.  My only excuse is that we didn't know what packages were sent for Christmas or for my birthday on Dec 12th.  HA.  That's a lie.   Brian and I had Christmas mornings all month long, and Scarlett was enthralled with every gift she received-one at a time- for a couple days, at least.  It ruled.
 
At our ward Christmas party, waaaay back on Dec 5th, I got to perform as a dancer to represent the Relief Society.  It was a most embarrassing, most exhilarating moment.  We were all like graceful sugarplum fairies, I'm sure.

Scarlett enjoyed the lasagna, but not the camera.

Some of Brian's Chem buds joined us.  We like these guys.

 On Dec 23rd, we rented out a  Jacuzzi Suite at a nice hotel about two blocks away from our house.  I know, we're weird, but we all LOVED it.  We were contemplating a visit to Chicago or other big cities nearby, but we didn't feel like driving or paying for a big trip so we had a Stay-cation! I wish I brought my camera, I took a few phone pictures of our huge room but they turned out crappy.  Basically, we checked in, went to dinner at Riverside buffett, came back & swam in the indoor pool, then hot tubbed in our room with Lord of the Rings on the big screen.   In the morning, we enjoyed a large hot breakfast then Jacuzzied on 'til check out.  Scarlett is a fish and we brought our own bubble bath, so it was a hit.

On Christmas Eve, Brian and I ran to get last minute stocking stuffers for each other and Scarlett, so Santa could come.  We skyped with my family, then acted out the Nativity with Scarlett.  She was a good sport some of the time.  After, we popped popcorn and watched the Nativity Story, its one of my favorite theatrical depictions of the story of Christ's birth.  It was a very special holy night. 

 

We put out our stockings and a lot of the toys she had already received. She acted like some of them were brand new; I guess we fooled her!

The result of Brian telling Scarlett to smile.

German pancakes and a 19 week pregnant belly.

Her tiny stocking was full of pudding and gummies.  I got a lemon zester, and Brian got some beef jerky.  We are so romantic.

After taking away the Ipad, this was the best picture we could get of everyone's faces.  Merry Christmas from Bratlett (Brian, Nat, & Scarlett) Green.