Christmas - Utah Style

We had a great Christmas break in UT with our families. Due to a sweet miracle, Dr. Nelson had two whole weeks vacation from the hospital. Hallelujah!

Since Todd is 5th of 8 kids and I am 5th of 6, you can imagine that there's never a quiet moment at either house when everyone is gathered. I took ONE picture the entire two weeks, so all these pics have been stolen from my sisters-in-law. Thanks Lu and Amy!

We went out to dinner with all the Christensen grown-ups one night. Todd had the "best steak of his life" at the Timbermine...not everyone gets to enjoy such fine dining as is available in Ogden! I have the greatest family - 5 incredible brothers who have impeccable taste in wives, and the best parents.
The miniature Christensens (and 1 Nelson) on Christmas Eve. The cousins were singing Christmas songs and Audrey was bustin' out her dance moves in front of the choir. She LOVES the cousins.
Audrey and my dad...she has a soft spot for Grandpa.

Christmas morning with the Nelsons. Lauren and Mike gave Rick this bedpan with yellow Jell-o and a Baby Ruth in it as a momento of his retirement.Audrey wasn't fooled. Yum! The Nelson boys had their annual football game... two older brothers versus the younger two (plus brothers-in-law). There is always much trash talking preceding the game. We won't talk about the outcome...all that really matters is that a reporter for the Tribune stopped by and the game made Saturday's paper. Notice Todd's perfect running form - front and center. What a stud.
This lovely couple (Jeff and Rachel) tied the knot a couple days after Christmas. Isn't she beautiful? Yet another sister to love...I always thought I was doing fine without sisters, but I'm loving life with all these incredible girls on both sides!
All the Nelsons in one room...quite an accomplishment. I can't express my gratitude for the family I married into. Love the Nelsons. Audrey and her mom... smiling because they just ate their 77th chocolate dipped strawberry.
In the "pursuit of handsomeness", the brothers grew out their moustaches for the wedding. Sick. They look so molester-esque. And, yes, Scott does have a moustache....it's about 10 white blonde hairs. You just have to look really closely. Love ya, Scotty.