Christmas Vacation

Jay and I had a great Christmas vacation! It sure came at a much needed time. School was taking a toll on us! We were crazy busy, but enjoyed every minute of it (Jay is still enjoying it since he hasn't gone back to school yet).

First we had our ONE YEAR anniversary. Can you say holy cow?! Time has flown by! We drove down to Valencia and spent the day at Six Flags. The weather was beautiful, and the park was practically empty! We had a blast going on the rides and laughing through every twist and turn. By the end of the day we were pooped out. We headed for our hotel room, ordered pizza, and snuggled up for a movie on TV. The next day we woke up to rain. We drove back up north to Santa Barbara, and finally passed all of the rain. Santa Barbara had beautiful weather as well. We sure lucked out! We spent the day looking at shops, eating ice cream cones, and going to the movies. It was absolutely wonderful!

Jay and I with Sylvester and Tweety Bird

On the park trolly

Following our anniversary, we had one day to tie up any loose ends before everything Christmas began. Christmas Eve was spent with the Mattice family. We spent all afternoon and evening at Aunt Lexi's house playing games, eating food, and enjoying everyones company. The house was FULL of people. It was for sure a fun night. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures. Dumb me!

We were also anxiously awaiting a big white envelope in the mailbox for Jay's brother Russell. Yes, that's right, his mission call! By Christmas Eve it still hadn't come...

When we got home late Christmas Eve, we opened our presents together since there wouldn't be another opportunity.

Our first normal Christmas together since last year we were on our honeymoon

Christmas morning we got up bright and early and drove down to Ventura to spend the day with my oldest brother Ryan and his family. My parents were also there. Thankfully we got there before Kai woke up to open presents. It was fun to watch him look at the tree surrounded by presents, and realize that Santa had eaten his cookies. We had a very nice relaxing day. We took a walk, and ventured out to the movies. Us girls saw Twilight (my first time!) and the guys watched Yes Man.

The following day we started our drive to Arizona for my cousin's wedding. Friday night was the rehearsal dinner. It was SO much fun for me to see all of my cousins from Texas and for Jay to finally be able to meet them. My cousin Rachel had just returned home from her mission in Puerto Rico and it was wonderful that she could be a part of her twin brother's wedding. The dinner was delicious and it was defiantly a memorable night. Following dinner, we headed over to the Mesa temple to see the Christmas lights. It was absolutely beautiful!

A manger scene on the temple grounds. I love the star!

Jake and Kacy, Jay's cousins, were so nice to let us stay at their house, even while they were out of town! It was great to be able to see them as well. As always, Jake made us a great big breakfast, yum!

Saturday morning we all headed to the temple. Since all of the Kirk family was together, we did all of the temple work for our Grandma. It was an amazing experience, and even better that we were all able to be together for it.

Jay and I on the temple grounds

Time was tight since Todd and Kristi's sealing was just before lunch time. It was really nice to be apart of such a special experience. They're such a cute couple, and I could easily tell that they are a great match. You could just see all of the happiness!

Aunt Janet and Dad with the Bride and Groom


David, Rachel, Kristi, and Todd

Following the sealing, we had a lunch-in at Kristi's home, and the reception that evening. The reception was beautiful, and everyone had a great time.

First dance

Kai with Grandma

In front of the beautiful Christmas tree

Erin and my Dad

Sunday we attended church at Kristi's home ward where her dad is bishop. Following church we all gathered in the hotel lobby for food and LOTS of games. We played catch phrase and charades for about 6 hours. We were having so much fun!

Dad showing Rachel his Operation Santa Clause pictures

Laughing some point during one of the games. Could this be from 'pigeons on a roof?' :)

Also, while we were gone, of course, Russel got his mission call! Thankfully and patiently, I'm sure, he waited until we got home Monday night to open it. I had my camera ready and everything. I began recording and got all the way to "Elder Mattice, you are hereby called to serve in the"... and then my battery went dead. Seriously, not good timing! Although I don't have video to post (which would have been much more exciting) I'm happy to announce that Russell will be serving in the Charleston, West Virginia mission April 1st!!

To make things even more interesting, this happens to also be the last mission that Grandpa and Grandma Miles served together. Later in the week we had a big dinner and Grandma pulled out all of her scrapbooks and things from their mission. It was neat to be able to see the type of things that Russell will be experiencing very shortly. Way to go Russell, we're very proud of you!

So, to conclude this very long post, I am back at school and things are quite hectic for me. Jay is still relaxing, playing as much Madden while he possibly can. For all my family and anyone else who is interested, I've posted all of our pictures from the Arizona trip here. Enjoy!