Christmas Break {Part 3: A BEAUTY of a day and a BEAST of a game}

Oh the puns. The day after Christmas we drove back down to Danville and then took BART over to SF to see Beauty and the Beast (that's where part of  my terrible punny title came from!). It was a great time! SF was gorgeous, the play was great, and singing along to the Frozen soundtrack on our way there and back was the best.

^Even though we aren't looking, I love this picture!^

^The ceiling and chandelier in the theater were so gorgeous!^

^A 12 foot gingerbread castle at the St. Francis West!!!^

^Creepy/cool angel dude at Union Square^

^I always love the wreaths in Macy's windows^

And that's the end of our first tripe to SF this break. The very next day we hopped on BART again to go to the BYU vs. UW Fight Hunger Bowl Game at AT&T Park. That was the beast part. BYU let us down... and the refs were the worst! So it was a bit of a bummer.  But it was still super fun to hang out with both families! I'll have to snag a Peterson picture from Anne or Shelley, so sorry there isn't one of us with the Petersons. 

^Hanging out with my family for a quarter of the game!^

Christmas Break {Part 2: Family Pre-Christmas Celebrations!}

Our time in CA so far has been a ball! First off, it's been at least 60 degrees outside every day (that's amazing compared to the freezing temperatures we were enduring in Utah). Second we get to be with both of our families! Here is some of the fun leading up the the big Christmas day!


P.s. - in case you haven't noticed, I haven't been in much of a blogging mood recently. I just don't feel like writing. But since I still want to capture our adventures, I'll be doing quite a few picture posts this break. I hope you don't mind!

{Folsom Fun}

^Holly (our dog) is a natural model. She just posed for the picture^

^Isn't my puppy the cutest?^

^Family Night Dance Parties^

^Gingerbread making!^

^Writing letters to our family members on missions!^

^The Christmas lights at Candy Cane Lane^

^Hull Girls^

^I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas... one of the best Christmas songs for sure1^

{Danville Adventures}

^Homemade Pizza for Christmas Eve!^

^So fun to have Min's help capturing the memories! Be sure to check out her blog here^ 

^Little E^

^Anne and O^

^Shel's famous rainbow jello! YUM!^

^O was the sweetest Mary!^

^A Shepherd, King, and Joseph!^

^Homemade Peppermint Ice cream^

^Christmas Eve White Elephant gifts/ BYU PJs!^ 

Thanksgiving Break {Part 3: The First Feast and a Day in Danville}

Thanksgiving is awesome. This year we spend it at my Nana's house (pictured above^). It was so marvelous because my entire Hull side of the family was there! I hadn't seen one of my cousins in years, because he's in the military, but it was wonderful for Clark to finally meet him and his cute family. And the feast was spectacular. We had one of the best Thanksgiving turkeys I've ever had, and the desert was out of this world amazing. I'm trying to get my hands on the recipe so I can share it with you all. As far as pictures go... apparently I was too caught up in eating the food to take more pictures of our day. Basically we ate, watched football, and visited with family members. Oh and we saw Disney's Frozen - so incredible. It's right up there with Tangled as one of my favorite Disney movies. Here are a couple snapshots I got:

^I am so grateful for my family!^

After feasting with the Hull side of the family, Clark and I drove up to Danville to see his family. Wow. When we pulled up the Christmas lights were on and Christmas music was playing in the house. AH! I loved it! It got me in such a holiday mood. Especially cause our rule has always been no Christmas music/decorations until after the feast. So the lights and music really got me into the Holiday Spirit! That evening we saw Catching Fire - again another awesome SUPER intense movie. 

The next morning we went to get a Christmas tree! I love picking Christmas trees. Last year Clark and I just had a dinky little potted tree... this year we are going to get a tree! A small tree, but still! A real one with lights and ornaments. Anyways, we picked out the perfect Christmas tree! When we got back we made paper ornaments, decorated the house, and put lights on the tree. Then we went to see Anne perform with the SRVHS Choirs in the Danville Tree Lighting ceremony. It was such a cute event, and the choir was incredible! I was blown away by their talent. Father Christmas and the Snow Angel even made an appearance to light the tree. And we got to see our dear friends Sam and Elise! After the lighting took place we walked around cute downtown Danville. Everything was lit up, there were carolers, and performers in the streets, and most shops had samples of their product to try/take. And we went to the best Greek restaurant!!! Oh my goodness, I loved their gyros and am totally craving them.... We finished off our evening watching White Christmas. Again I am so thankful for my Peterson family! Thank you again for getting Clark and I excited for Christmas :) 

^Let the tree hunt begin!^

^Isn't Anne so beautiful?^

^Like Father....

^Like son.... 

 And I am so so grateful for my amazingly wonderful husband! 

Stay tuned for one more post about our Thanksgiving Break :)