Christmas 2011

So this year was pretty crazy busy trying to fit time in to see everyone but it was great being so busy with family. Friday I took the day off work to get the house ready, last minute shopping and wrapping. That night Jace and I went down to my cousin Krista’s house in Provo with my family, cousin Nicole and Dillan’s girlfriend Kami. We had dinner with Krista and her family along with my Aunt Sharon. Then we played the Christmas game that Jace introduced to our family a few years ago when he joined the Lewis/Burt clan. You take tons of different little gifts (this year we had each family bring 3-5 gifts) and wrap them up in newspaper and packaging tape. Then you put it all together in a giant newspaper ball. Then everyone sits around in a circle and when you roll a 7 or an 11 you get the oven mitts and try to open any present inside the ball. What you open you get to keep so you have to be quick before someone else gets the mitts. It’s always entertaining to watch people try to open everything.

Sharon, Kami and Nicole. 

Anna trying to open the gifts.

Then Saturday Jace had to do a little last minute shopping while I worked on getting food ready. I made some bean dip for my mom’s house that day along with Apple dip and Spinach dip for Christmas day.

Touchdown Bean Dip-Karen Lewis

16 oz. refried beans

1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)

1 pkg. taco seasoning (25 oz.)

2 garlic cloves pressed

½ cup shredded cheese

Pico

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bottom of pan spread beans in bottom. In bowl combine cream cheese, taco seasoning and garlic. Spread over beans. Top with pico mixture and cheese. Bake 25-30 minutes. Serve with chips. (I would double the recipe if you’re going to use a large pan). (Didn't get a picture...)

Apple Toffee Dip-Janalyn Olson

1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

11 oz. Heath toffee bits.

Mix until fluffy. Serve with apple slices.

Notice my cute new serving dish from Jace

Then I went over to my mom’s for a bit since my Aunt Paula and Uncle Mark from California were there along with my cousin Nicole, Uncle Dave from Vegas and my grandparents from Idaho were all here. We just ate a lot of food and played cards until it was time to go up to Jace’s moms. We were up there for Christmas Eve and had a really yummy dinner and also played the Christmas game with Jace’s family. We also watched the Christmas videos each of the families had made. (Earlier this month, Janalyn gave us all a stocking with props to make a Christmas video with). They turned out hilarious! 

Owen jumping on Jedd. 

Jace did this to Noah while playing the Christmas game. 

The Christmas game 

Jake, Marci, Noah and Owen. 

Jace and I on Christmas Eve.

Then we went home to sleep and the next morning went over to Jake and Marci’s house to watch the boys open their Santa presents. We had breakfast over there and I brought over Coffee cake that my mom makes every year for Christmas.  

Coffee Cake-Karen Lewis

18 Rhodes rolls

¾ cup brown sugar

1/2 -1 tsp. cinnamon

1 pkg. butterscotch pudding (NOT instant)

Cube butter (melted or cut up into chunks)

Spray Bundt pan with PAM. Lay rolls and sprinkle with dry mixtures (including butter). Let rise overnight. Cook at 350 degrees 25-30 minutes (first 15 uncovered, cover the last). Best to cook on cookie sheet to prevent boil over/mess.

We spent the morning with Jake and them and Jace’s mom and Russ came down as well. Jace spoiled me again on Christmas. He picked out this amazing center piece for the kitchen table. He knows I love Z Gallery so he went and picked some stuff up since I’ve wanted something on the table since we got it before Thanksgiving. Love him!

Owen and Noah opening Santa presents. 

Noah didn't know what to do with all the presents. 

Janalyn and Russ-Christmas morning. 

Noah riding Owen's toy.

The center piece

Then we went over to my families place for the night. We got to talk to my brother Dillan who is on his mission in St. Louis, Missouri. It was great to hear from him and hear how well he is doing. He has been gone 7 months already. It’s flying by. We played cards, opened gifts and ate a lot of great food again all day. We also ran over to Jace’s dad’s house for a little bit to see them and exchange gifts. It was great seeing everyone for the holiday and we were defiantly spoiled. Love Christmas and sad it’s already over this year but glad we got to see everyone and it was such a great holiday weekend.

Jace and I Christmas morning at our house. 2nd Christmas in the house together. 

Christmas Day at my parents with everyone.