Holy Holidays!!!

So did anyone else take over 200 pictures in the past two weeks? It makes me totally grateful for digital cameras, can you imagine how much it would be to develop that many pictures? And what if you got doubles? Good grief, when was the last time you even thought about getting doubles?

Answer: The year 2003.

Thank you technology.

So anyways, the last three weeks have left me feeling (and obviously looking) like this: Tired. And Philip feeling like this: Tired of me, and me taking pictures.

And seeing as how I'm a champ at keeping up with all of the picture taking, today I'll post about all of the pre-Christmas festivities. Enjoy.

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First off: the Fourth Annual Christmas Eve Eve party with Philip's friends.

Only this year, it was on Christmas Eve Eve Eve.

That's December 22, for those of you that don't want to figure it out.

So here's a little background:

Philip and his nine closest friends have this very exclusive party every year. The only way you get invited if you aren't one of the original 10, is to marry into the group. Believe me, it is hard to get into. Anyways, we have an awesome white elephant gift exchange that makes for great pictures.

Here is Philip jealously eyeing Stephanie's Arizona trivia book. You actually wouldn't believe how quick that got stolen.

Allison and Lindsi with the Diva thermos that I totally stole from them. Lindsi's next gift, and her face explains it all! It was these lips...er, it's too hard to explain. Totally awesome though. Philip checking it out too, but being very content with his paper football goal posts. Yoink! Danny stole it and Philip was sad. But despite his face, a fun time was had by all. One of my favorite parts of the party this year is that Deanna got to come! It was her first year being married into the group, and I couldn't be more pleased. Philip's second favorite person in the world: Danny Court. They've been best friends since second grade and are positively HILARIOUS together. And for some random-y pictures:

Rachel, Brooke & Kyle

Rachel and Stephanie

Michael & Deanna

Twinner Brandon

and Twinner Brad

After the party we hit up Filiberto's (for the second time in three days), and went to my mom's to hang out with Kev and Nicole for a little while.

Dear Kev & Nicole,

Move back home. I miss hanging out with you already.

Love, Mel

This is Philip and his good friend Lee on Christmas Eve Eve. They are in school together and carpool and study non-stop, and basically Lee sees Philip more than I do. Lucky duck.

Anyways, he and his sweet fiance, Rebecca got married and invited us.

It was really nice. Nicer than Philip's face if you can imagine that.

Rebecca's daughter, Kiera, was the flower girl, and she was absolutely precious.

Pictures that I took when I wasn't tearing up.

Hooray for the married couple! They are so sweet together, and them plus Rebecca's two kids make the cutest little family. Maybe I cried a little bit.

After the wedding we headed over to my parent's for lots of food and family and pictures! All three of my brothers were in town, which was SOO much fun. You guys all need to live here so that we can hang out more often!

Anyways, random pictures of the evening:

Have I mentioned that I love this kid? I do.

Chris showing off how well Sophie can stand! And do you not love her little leg warmers?

Me and Parker hanging out! He is so sweet! I kind of wanted to steal him.

My cute parents. Nat and Aly being pretty pretty moms. Kind of not fair if you ask me. Lizzie with the punching Santa Kirk, Kev, Noelle & Nicole Brynn tearing her loving gaze away from Caleb for the picture. She seriously followed him around everywhere, it was hilarious. Amy, Brynn & Caleb being cutie pants kids. Oakley as a wise man. All the kiddos dressed in their nativity costumes Apparently Joseph rode on the back of the donkey, even if they were just going to the next inn. Who knew? And of course, Amy was the prettiest angel ever to exist.

Joseph looking very lovingly down at our Baby Jesus. Isn't this just stinkin' cute? Same here...who doesn't love cute dads? Are you so tired of this post yet?

You totally should be unless your last name currently is, or once was Jones.

On Christmas Eve morning we all went bowling. It was a seriously good time. I think it should definitely become a tradition.

Guess who's competitive? Kevin.

Guess who got a better score than him? Caleb. My mom and Sophie preferred to just watch and look adorable. Then we went back to my mom's again and ate Ned's, and if your last name is Lindblom, you ate Filiberto's (for the third time in five days). And the kids all played outside since the weather was delightful. Later that night, we went to the Lindblom Christmas Eve party. This year Nancie put together the program, so it was the most amazing production ever. The kids acted out the nativity as it was read aloud by Philip's dad, but then there would be breaks between parts where different groups of kids would come out and sing a song. Kate and Jolie singing was probably the most adorable thing in the world. Who doesn't love a duet by a three and four year old? It was amazing.

Unfortunately I totally forgot to take pictures, so that's all I have for now!

Stay tuned for Christmas morning, lots more pictures, more family hang out time, a rockin' new year's eve party, new years resolutions, my new Sunbeams, and lots lots more!

Happy January!