On Christmas Eve, we went to church at Cornerstone for service. It was really great, everyone did a great job (I was hungry though). After service, we went to the St. John family house and had a really nice dinner. Presents and playing with our new gifts followed. We got some good stuff =) We spent the night over at my parents house on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Day, we woke up at had breakfast and opened stocking gifts. We headed back home to clean up after that because we planned to go see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. SOLD OUT! Disappointment followed. However, Nicole and I decided to go home and have out Christmas time together. I made fillets and Nicole made mashed potatoes and salad. We even had wine like adults. Pretty cool!

On the 26th, we went to Twaine Harte, CA up in the mountains. Cheree’s parents rented a cabin and a bunch of us went up to stay. It was really great. It had snowed not long before we went up so it was really pretty and there was fresh snow. We even had to use chains on the Munoz’s car to keep from slipping. Fun times.

On the 27th, Cheree, some of her family, and I went up to Dodgeridge to snowboard and ski. I had never been up there before and I was actually pretty happy with it. The runs are a little shorter than the mountains in Tahoe, but it had nice snow. Seemed like there were a lot of people there though that loved to share a comment when people fell below the lift…not that I would ever deal with that . Anyways, Marcos and Nicole stayed back and played Crash Bandicoot and made a rockin’ snowman.

Yes, that is a beer can and a (fake) cigar.

The 28th, Cheree, Marco, Nicole, and I went sledding. We though about doing the big track the masses had made, but decided to make our own. Let’s just say many tired climbs up the hill, spills and the bottom, and soaking shoes later, we had a blast. Probably one of the major highlights of the trip for me. That night we went to Black Oak Casino to play “Games People Play”. Needless to say, after a round of bowling and some Black Jack, they sent us away in an armored truck shuttle with my $65 winnings.

All in all it was a great weekend, a great holiday, and a great first Christmas with my new wife. I kinda love her =)

We drove down Candy Cane Lane in Pleasanton, and as always they had some amazing lights!

The one right above was my favorite! This weekend we plan to go to Deacon Dave’s and check out what’s in store there this year.

So far, this first holiday season together has been great. We have had good times with friends and family, and we are able to start our own traditions. Hopefully this will be one of them! We love all of you and hope you are enjoying this time of year as much as we are!

Now back to the gingerbread houses…I feel like the girls got cheated…because ours was WAY better….

Here’s the guys house…

And here’s the girls house….

Now which one do YOU think is the best????

On Friday we went over to Garrett’s parents house for games and dinner. We had fun playing Partini and Catch Phrase. Friday night was the time I wait for all year…time to decorate for Christmas! We picked out our decorations and a tree over this last week. Then that night we turned on the Christmas tunes, with hot chocolate and a fire, set it all up, and our house is now transformed for the Christmas season.

This time of year is always my favorite. It’s a great time to spend with family, friends and to reflect on what God has blessed us with. This year we are thankful for our marriage, for time with our families, for our amazing friends, and just the little everyday blessings that God showers on us.