December in a Nutshell

As always, December has come and gone. With all the activities we had going on it flew by so fast and now we are left with the memories of Christmas 2009. The kids were off track for the entire month and we were able to do some fun things. We....

Decorated our annual gingerbread house

Notice Abbi's face? This is due to the fact that after we were done decorating, Abbi thought it would be a great idea if she took her cinnamon-apple flavored hand lotion and decorate some more. After "spicing" up the back of the gingerbread house we caught on to what she was doing and told her that was not edible. She was a little embarrassed but it all turned out okay. When it came time to eat the house, we just threw that part away.

Attended Abbi's Dance Recital and Harmony Concert

She did a great job on both accounts and it was fun to attend her events as a family. Plus, it always gives us an excuse to visit Leatherby's for some yummy ice cream sundaes.

Held our annual office party

I have been bribed to not release any further pictures or video that may or may not have been taken. All I can say is, we had a great time with a great group of people!

Aaron and I went to San Francisco

Celebrated Christmas with family

Christmas morning, the kids (Adam and Abbi) woke up at 3:30. I could hear them rummaging through their stockings so I went down to find every light on and their excited faces as they saw what Santa had brought them. I told them to turn off the lights and go back to bed. They did, but I'm not sure they slept. At 7:00 the tearing of paper and merriment could be heard from the Marshall house. It was a great holiday; complete with visiting all our family and sharing in the joy of the season!

And a quick trip to West Yellowstone for a little rest and relaxation

(Abbi took this picture with her new camera)

We packed and headed up to West Yellowstone where we spent 4 days relaxing, eating, watching movies, playing games with the kids, and of course, swimming in the indoor pool. It was fabulous. One day, we actually ventured out of the condo to take the kids sledding. After walking 1.8 kilometers to the snow hill, every one was tired, cold, and cranky. We sled down the hill 2-3 times, called it good, and hiked out another 1.8 kilometers to the car. Good in theory, not so much in reality. Memories! We also took some family pictures while we were there.

So, I think that about sums up our December. We had a great season and hope you and your family had a great one as well. Now it's time to gear up for the new year and the many experiences and opportunities it will bring.

Happy New Year!