My TOP TEN from the HOLIDAY SEASON.

Ryan and I had a wonderful holiday break. We were both able to get time off work to go home and spend the holidays with our families. It was a much needed vacation. I have come up with a list of my top ten things I loved about this holiday season.

#10 Going to the MOVIES.
Ryan and I saw a total of six movies during the month of December: Yes Man, Seven Pounds, Benjamin Button, Bedtime Stories, Valkarie, and Marley and Me. (Ryan also saw Madagascar 2 with his nephews!) My favorite movie was Valkarie. Tom Cruise has still got it!!

#9 Going to a Christmas Party with Ryan's Friends from Work.

Ryan's friend Todd invited us to a Christmas party before we left town. There was lots of good company, Christmas cheer, and awesome FOOD!!


#8 Family night with my parents dressed up as JOSEPH and MARY.

My parents dressed up as Joseph and Mary to tell the story of Jesus' birth for Christmas. My dad was less than thrilled about the idea. The grand kids enjoyed it and I got a good laugh!

#7 Watching the Utah UTES win the SUGAR BOWL!

What a great game!! For all you non-sports fans out there. The Utah Utes played Alabama in the Sugar Bowl on January 2. The Utes were the underdogs. In the first quarter, the Utes scored three touchdowns! They ended up beating Alabama 31-17. Go UTES!!

#6 Getting a KISS at midnight on NEW YEARS EVE.

New Years Eve isn't as wild and crazy as it used to be when I was single. This year we stayed home and watched the ball drop in our pajamas. The best part about being married is that I know I will get a kiss a midnight every year!

#5 Going to lunch with my High School FRIENDS.

I love to get together with my girlfriends from High School. I wish I was better at keeping in touch during the year. But it seems like every time we get together we can pick up where we left off. We reminisce and talk about how much everyone has changed. I hope we can continue this tradition until we are old women.

#4 Great seats at an NFL playoff game, VIKINGS vs. EAGLES.

I bought Ryan playoff tickets on the second row!! It was a great game, even though the Vikings lost 26-14. I felt like we were in the middle of the action, and Ryan had a great view of the cheerleaders! The only bad part was walking home from the Metrodome in 10 degree weather. Brrrrr!

#3 Food, Food, and more FOOD!!

There is never a shortage of food during the holiday season and I definitely ate my share. At home we ate: Honey baked ham, cheesy potatoes, cinnamon rolls, Fondue, and my mother-in-law's famous chocolate peppermint dessert! We also went out to eat at Goodwood, El Mexicano, Pepperbellies, and Outback Steakhouse. To top it off, we had a Candy Bar tasting competition with my Cousin Becca. It is time to start working out again!!

#2 Opening presents!!

We definitely get spoiled by both families and Santa Claus. It is still fun to wake up on Christmas morning and see presents under the tree. Ryan favorite gift was a PLAYSTATION 3 with The Dark Knight on BluRay. My favorite gift was a large framed portrait of the Salt Lake Temple.

#1 Spending quality time with our FAMILIES.

My very favorite part of the holidays is spending time with our families. It was so fun to just relax and play with our nieces and nephews. Ryan went sledding with his family while I was in Richfield. Everyone was able to come home this year. It is not very often that our whole family can be together. We made some wonderful memories this year!