Post-cruise/Christmas!

Christmas morning was spent with our little family of two. I'm used to opening presents bright and early  with the whole fam dam, but it's fun to start new traditions for our family, too!

I even woke myself up with my excitement. I couldn't wait to see his face when he opened his gifts. Since when did it become more fun to give than to get? :)

Then the Nelson clan came over to skype with our favorite missionary all the way from Chile! It was so fun, and jentry seemed almost... refined. We sure miss that guy and we are so proud of him. 

Jentch even watched his pooches open a few presents. 

We learned that our old temple-prep teacher has passed away on the 21st. He was the nicest old man you could ever meet. After one of our lessons over a year ago, we took a few pictures, and he even pulled our his TEETH for the goofy one! He will be missed. His funeral was the happiest I think I've ever attended. He left such a legacy and I loved how each of his children spoke of his love for the gospel. I think I'd like to leave this world a little like he did.
We left for Idaho right after the funeral to spend New Years with the Furniss bunch

When Jaren was little, he used to call helicoptors "helidotcors." Cute, huh? Jill got him one for christmas, and he has been in love. I got a sweet nail kit from Janna, and a Bosch from my parents! So spoiled! Goodbye, holidays. You've been good to us, and we can't wait to see what's in store for this year!

To Mexico and back

What a GREAT Christmas this year! We were absolutely spoiled, and our families have once again proven how awesome they both are. How in heaven's name did we get so lucky?

First thing's first: documenting our awesome vacation with the Nelsons to.... MEXICO!! Actually the exact same cruise Jaren and I took for our honeymood, ha! But we did not mind! It was the perfect break from work and a looonng semester. 

Like every great vacation, it began with a road trip. 

We left Provo, UT bright and early to Long Beach, CA. We stayed the night in Long Beach, attended sacrament meeting that sunday morning, then we were off to the port! Our passports were cleared and we were about to board the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR!

Notice the boots - it was chilly! Also notice the ice cream... 

Some things (like warmth) are worth sacrificing. 

Our time was mostly spent shuffling cards, eating ice cream, and riding elevators. 

One of my favorite parts of the cruise is, of course, the shows! The dancers are great, and sometimes I wish I could be up on stage! But... then I look at their outfits, and decide to pass. 

It was so fun to go to the ship's theatre every night after dinner for some fun, broadway-esque entertainment.  

We also got to go back to Lover's Beach! Jeffy took his shirt off the moment we stepped on the sand hahaha We got to see the Arches of Cabo and the "Magic Cave" at Lover's Beach... where two go in and three come out. hahaha. 

When we got back to port on the mainland, we stayed in Vegas for a night! We ended our trip in Sin City by staying in a great hotel ;) and visiting the strip. Christmas is my favorite time of year, and as much as I loved the cruise and the warm weather, Christmas just isn't Christmas without all the snow, glitter, and glam. We got our fix here at the Bellagio! The decor was incredible! And of course the water shows were amazing as well. 

Thanks for the fun, Nelson clan! We love you!!!