christmas eve

I honestly can't believe that christmas has already come and gone! it's so nice having new years eve to look forward to right after the holiday, as it seems to soften the post-christmas-blues a bit (is that a thing? because I totally feel like that's a thing)

however, my christmas was absolutely wonderful and I am so thankful for the family and friends that made it that way! now, let's fast forward things a bit...

on tuesday, my work took everyone and their families to see the new star wars movie. to be perfectly honest, I have never been a major fan of that series... it may just be due to the fact that I'm not really into the sci-fi genre (kendrick tries desperately to forget this small and shameful fact about me). so basically, I wasn't expecting a lot. however, that ended up playing in my favor because I was completely blown away. I absolutely loved it! I've heard quite a few mixed reviews regarding the movie, but all I know is that it was jam packed with nostalgia and actually felt like a star wars movie, which is pretty impressive when the last one came out years ago and it was directed by someone new. so, two thumbs up from me!

after the movie, we took a small drive over to the infamous "christmas street" in taylorsville. my family and I have visited this street every year since I was little, and it's a tradition I want to keep alive for when kendrick and I start having kids. the street is absolutely decked out with lights and holiday decor, and the story "the night before christmas" is displayed on large canvases outside each home. pure magic, I tell you.

 on christmas eve, kendrick and I spent the day relaxing, doing some shopping (yes, we're insane), and wrapping up last-minute presents. once 2 o'clock hit, we were on the road and headed to his parents house.

a majority of the night was spent at a dinner party held at kendrick's aunt's house. this house (or i should say estate) is no doubt the most gorgeous home i've ever been in. the walls had the original brick, the ceiling had exposed beams, and all of the decor was so incredibly perfect that the house looked straight out of a catalog. also, we later learned that the granite used to build the house was from the same block that built the salt lake temple. so yeah, the more you know, right?

there was a white elephant gift exchange that allowed us to leave as the proud owners of the game pie face. kendrick and I have wanted to play this game since we started seeing video clips of it popping up all over facebook. however, it wasn't exactly one we wanted to go out and buy (not sure how much it would get played), so walking away with it from a gift exchange was a win in itself. and yes, we have already pulled out that baby and yes it is as hilarious as we thought it would be (and quite terrifying if you're the one getting whip cream slapped in your face).

once back at kendrick's house, we all enjoyed some egg nog while watching a christmas story, because what respectable christmas eve is complete without that movie?

christmas day coming up next!