Cookie Decorating and More!

So, I was really bummed that my family decided to take off to Sun Valley, Idaho for the weekend because my plan was to come home and spend time with them!! Brandon and I had already decided to do Christmas Eve at his house which leaves a quick drive up to Logan Christmas day to see my family.
Anyway, I decided even though my parents took the kids up to Idaho, I would drive up to Hyrum and spend time with my sister and her family. I always love to see my nephews!!! They are so cute and I love spending time with them. I drove up Saturday morning and when I got to Kimber's house we made Christmas cookies! It was so much fun! Another simple fun tradition that makes the holiday meaningful. Carter had fun cutting shapes out and playing in the dough and I got to hold Caden a lot!!! Can't complain :) :) A bit later we went to a wedding reception and then met my little brother Matt for dinner at Cafe Sabor. Yummy mexican food.
During the holiday season I have realized how important family is!!!!! I am so thankful for my family and for the love and support they give me. How LUCKY I am! Wishing I was with them now~ Guess I will have to wait until Christmas day :) ~Kristin~

Gingerbread Party!

Ever since I moved to Salt Lake 2 years ago I have been able to join my cousins for the annual HILL Family gingerbread house decorating party. Its so much fun because even though I am nearly 26 years old, its still great to be a kid for a night and decorate a gingerbread house. My aunt always brings pizza and we make a party out of it. The party was on Thursday night and I almost didnt go because of the crazy snow storm we experienced!!! Unfortunately Brandon had to fly to Oklahoma for an inteview and couldn't come.

Unfortunately, I got my camera out too late when 1/2 the people already left, but I managed to get a photo before I left with some of my cousins. My house is the one in the very front. Great times :) I love the simple yet fun things that make this holiday season so much fun!!!
~Kristin~

Lots and Lots of TWO's

SO, I have been at my new job now for 7 weeks or so. I am really enjoying it and having so much fun! I get to work in all 6 of the school's classrooms with all different age groups. I also think I am learning a little bit about what it's like to be a mom. I can now understand why patience is hard after a long day, especially with 14 two year olds! YUP, thats right, 14. Today I had to chuckle when Amy and I opted to take our class on a walk instead of gearing them all up in snow gear to play on the playground. I can't tell you how draining and exhausting it is twice a day to direct 14 two year olds to change into snow pants, boots, coats, hats, and gloves and get them outside for their scheduled recess.
Anyway, our afternoon walk cracked me up! We put on boots and coats and then everyone piled outside for a walk. Amy had this neat rope contraption that had 14 loops for kids to hold onto. Each kid grapped a loop and we (a train of 2 teachers and 14 two's) took a 30 minute walk outside all connected together by a rope. The kids were loving singing songs together and being outside. I just had to chuckle as the kids were shouting out over and over, "Dinah wont you blow, Dinah wont you blow, Dinah wont you blow your horn..."
NEEDLESS TO SAY... I am always exhausted after a day of work, but it is SOOO worth it. Kids are the best. Just the cute little things they say, the hugs they give, the smiles they have make my day!!!
I am getting excited for this weekend and being able to actually spend the holiday with Brandon. Luckily, the hospital decided to give the poor kid a break and give him Christmas Eve and Day off!!! YAHOO! Brandon averages 80+ hours a week and thus far has worked every holiday, so I am very grateful. Being an intern is tough.
Thats it for now. Merry Christmas!!!!

Kristin