End of the Year

I figure I better get the blog caught up before the baby makes an appearance.

I found a fun skeleton shirt to wear for Halloween.

2012 was the first year we didn't go to Utah for Thanksgiving or Christmas since Scott was scheduled to work both holidays. The Norton's invited us over for Thanksgiving along with another couple and the missionaries. We had quite the feast. I didn't take any pictures, other than of the pies I made. Mmm, so delish.

pumpkin and banana cream

apple

We had fun decorating for Christmas and had our first real tree!

view from the exterior

fresh wreath

We went to the little German Christmas village in Bethlehem. It is essentially a bunch of shops and local food stands. The most interesting thing is that it is in an old, abandoned industrial park.  There was also a really cool ice sculpture demonstration.

We went to Philly to pick up a few Christmas gifts for people and met up with Brett, Adrianna, and Penny. We had a great time at the Christmas market there.

I guess we were there at the start of Hanukkah because the Hanukkah parade passed through. There were cars with lit up menorahs strapped to the top; it took at least 10 minutes for all of the cars to go by. Definitely a first for me.

We became one of "those" dog owners and took Kingston to see Santa. There is a really nice outdoor shopping complex that had a few pet friendly nights. King loves posing so he had no problem sitting still.

He got a stuffed snowman as part of his present from his bff Maggie. Sadly, it didn't last long but we died laughing when we walked in and saw mr. snowman's fluff all over the place.

Christmas is never complete without treats. I made the traditional sugar cookies and truffles to take in to work.

Scott had to work until early afternoon on Christmas so we had our nice Christmas dinner a few days before. Naturally, no pictures of that. On Christmas day I went over to our Bishop's house for brunch. It was delish. Scott got off work in the early afternoon so we opened presents and were lazy the whole day; I think we were in bed by 9. It was different, but still a great holiday.