A Married Christmas

So there are extra perks during Christmas time for being married; namely, you get presents from your family AND from your spouse's family... rock on! Anyways, this was our first Christmas married. Whereas some couples might struggle deciding where to go for their first Christmas, it was actually pretty easy for us, which was really nice. Some of Katie's siblings were going away for Christmas (it being their spouse's year to visit family) and my parents were going out to Utah, so it worked out really well that we went to Utah for Christmas as well. Next year, all the Hiltons will be together for Christmas.

It was a lot of fun. We left here on the 22nd and arrived there the morning of the 23rd. We had to get new tires for our Jeep so as to not die in our trek through the Sierras and Rockies. It seemed to take no time at all on the way out and we made it in a timely fashion. We actually had a really clear, snow-free ride all the way to Utah and then BAM! all of a sudden I was sliding along the freeway on 215 past a pile up of cars and other cars facing the wrong direction. It was nuts, but we made it through, thanks to the fabulous 4-wheel drive, and eventually down to my brother's house in Spanish Fork.

It was wonderful to see my family all together again. It was the first time we'd all been together for Christmas since 1998, because of missions and etc. Christmas cheer was everywhere. It was snowy and white and wonderful. We played kickball in the snow (way fun!) and also played dodgeball at the church (also really fun).

On Christmas Eve we had home-made pizzas. Everyone got to decorate their own and then we all shared. They were pretty yummy, for the most part.

We played Buzzword, girls vs. boys, and the boys pulled it off, getting an absolutely necessary full list of 10 within mere milliseconds of the buzzer sounding. It was quite the upset, but we couldn't let the girls win. We're still undefeated.

On Christmas morning, I tried to get a shot of everyone before they woke up, but unfortunately missed a few. It was an absolute fun-fest opening presents. There were more than I've personally ever seen, loaded under and around the Christmas Tree. It was a great time. We started somewhat organized, one person at a time, but that likely could have taken all day so we opened it up to a free-for-all. I would say we were all pleased with what Santa had to bring.

When the commercial Christmas cheer died down a bit, we sat together and turned to the true focus of Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Dad read us a story by Pres. Monson and Katie played the keyboard while we sang a few Christmas hymns. It is a great time of year.

We headed for home on the 27th, just in time for the mountain pass to get yucky and prohibit anyone without chains of 4-wheel drive. Fortunately enough, we have 4-wheel drive and were able to pass, slowly, through the mountains. Our trip through, sadly though, wasn't without loss. As we switched drivers during one stage of the thoroughfare, one of Katie's new pearl earrings disappeared into the deep white snow. Had we have noticed at the time, we may have been able to recover it, however, it wasn't until miles beyond that we realized the sad misfortune.

We made it home tired and weary, finally escaping the grasp of the endless black and yellow abyss. But spirits were high following a good night's rest, ready to enjoy yet another Christmas celebration a few days later, on New Year's day with the Hiltons.

View pictures from Christmas in Utah and Christmas in California!