Christmas 2012

This was the second time Eric and I spent Christmas by ourselves. The first time was 2 years ago right after we moved to Kansas, and we were pretty bored during the break. But for some reason, spending Christmas just the two of us this year was PERFECT. Seriously, I could not imagine a better Christmas. We got to relax, open presents, and hang out with each other. It may have something to do with my 4 day break feeling like it went way too fast or seeing a bunch of family in the past couple months, but I'm glad we didn't take time away to travel somewhere else. Another plus, I worked from home every day but Thursday so Eric wasn't as bored as he normally is when alone.

Here's our lovely 2012 nutcracker next to our beautiful tree and presents!

We didn't wear our PJs this year because I wanted cuter pics haha. And we have awesome matching shirts that I couldn't pass up wearing for the occasion (courtesy of Audrey).

Eric has a problem with his squinty eyes looking like they're closed in pics so I love it when I capture him trying to train his eyes to stay open. 

Because we already had a million presents under our tree (thanks mom and pops!) Eric and I exchanged stockings this year.

And what a good husband to get me Pitch Perfect :)

Which one is the poser here?

Not sure what was going on here, but we set up our tripod and used our nifty remote to get some "candid" shots. There's usually at least one of us posing in these (whoever is holding the remote).

Eric complained that I opened my iPad mini too fast so he didn't get it on camera. But here's my pink cover!

Eric got one too for his iPad!

Christmas love.

Matching shirts from my favorite Christmas movie, Elf!

They say "Smiling's my favorite" and "Son of a nutcracker"

After talking to family all day, starting a puzzle, and watching Pitch Perfect, we made ham for the first time! Thankfully, Wendy told me to make some glaze for it that made it quite tasty. 

Caught in action!

A couple days later Eric finished puzzle #1! He's still working on his other one, but it's good to have around since he has such a long break from school.

We hope everyone had just as good a Christmas as we did! Thank you for all your thoughts and gifts :)

Our favorite time of year...

Candy Cane 10k

On December 15th Eric did the Candy Cane 10k. He barely trained for this, yet he went out there and ran 6 miles just for fun. I personally think he's crazy, but I'm quite impressed with his running capabilities. The sun was shining and it was a gorgeous December day for a run (or so I assume). 

I love love LOVE this picture of Eric :) He looks so pensive...

 Eric at the start of the race feeling like a million bucks. 

 I was a wonderful wife and sat in the car during the race until he was finished. Why didn't I run you ask? Let's just say running and I don't really get along. Plus, I had a cold so I'm glad I didn't sign up. 

An hour and six minutes (keep in mind he didn't train for this) and 6.2 miles later, Eric ran full speed towards the finish line. Yeah, he's a pretty big deal in this picture. 

 And all that running paid off with this new medal!! Woo hoo. Good job Eric!

And as a bonus...I just discovered a new feature on my camera! I had no idea it did this until I tried so ignore my commentary. Enjoy!

Natalie's Baby Shower

In the beginning of December, Randii and I threw a baby shower for our good friend, Natalie. It was supposed to be in November, but baby Reed decided to grace us with his presence early so we had to postpone :) He is adorable and basically slept through the entire shower. 

I whipped out my fondue set and made chocolate fondue for the first time. It wasn't too shabby if I do say so myself. All the food was really delicious!

 Thank you to everyone who was able to make it and support Natalie!

 Randii was a wonderful Vanna White for this matching game. 

 And for Eric, the best part is when everyone leaves so he can eat leftovers. Yum!

THANKsgiving Weekend

The whole Walker gang came to visit us for Thanksgiving weekend. I know what you're thinking...no, they did NOT all stay at our place. Although we would have been more than happy to have one giant sleepover!! 

Thanksgiving dinner is not so overwhelming when there are plenty of helping hands. Everyone had their own parts to play...

We had turkey carvers:

Gravy stirrers:

Drink pourers:

 

Those who helped with everything:

And those who helped with not much but we love them anyway :)

And those who just looked cute (Christian):

As Eric would say, Christian needs a lot more smile and I need a lot less. 

And together we made a fabulous meal!

As if Thanksgiving wasn't enough, Eric had to go and turn 27 on Black Friday. This birthday he achieved his lifelong goal of owning an iPhone. Seriously, he has been begging for one for YEARS! Thank you parentals for his awesome gift! 

He loved his other gifts too!

We didn't do much the rest of the weekend. The girls mainly shopped while the guys played paintball. But before their flight, we stopped by Liberty Jail and got some family pics in!

We haven't changed much from 2 years ago when we took this exact picture!

 It was so nice having family here for the holidays. Come back anytime!!