Christmas!!!

For Christmas break, we decided to drive through Las Vegas on our way to SLC to visit family. My dad drove down to Vegas and met us... and we stayed for 5 days!!! As a caveat, I thought I would SWEAR on my grave that I would HATE Las Vegas for all of the obvious reasons, but I have to tell you, I actually really liked it!

I didn't take any photos while we were there and left it up to my dad (so I'll post them later), but we had a great time. We stayed at the Mandalay Bay for 2 nights and the Venitian for 3 nights (we extended our stay because we enjoyed it so much). The highlights included the 9 buffets we ate at!! (no exaggeration!), swimming outside in the 80 degree pools, the spas, the shows, the shopping!! Is is quite a destination.

We really loved the fountains in front of the Bellagio. I think it was Maddie's favorite thing. I kind of have to agree with her- pretty stunning and nothing like it.

After 5 days of pure glutony... we headed to SLC for Christmas and Steve's little brother's WEDDING! The last of his siblings to get married. It is crazy how time flies... I met his little brother when he was 13! Here are some highlights:

The kids LOVED the snow this trip. Of course, we had to make a snowman!

A picture of Steve's little brother who was coming and going during our trip to get ready for the wedding... cute, right?

Enjoying the snow...

Arms of course.

Proud of their masterpiece.

We went to downtown SLC, which is decked out in Christmas lights...

Really different shot of the temple downtown, but gorgeous.

Group shot of the cold family and Steve's other brother and wife! Yay!

Delirious from the cold.

Last year my mom gave the girls a sled, so this sled has a lot of sentimental value. We hit a little hill and Maddie had a blast... of course Emi was skeptical!

Not sure of the whole thing.

A few shots of the MANY runs:

Very Happy but COLD!

My dad and the girls.

We love these rosy cheeks!

Before the wedding, all of the guys went out for a "bachelor" party. I say that in quotes, because for them bachelor party = eating lots of red meat, drinking lots of soda, and going down in the basement and unloading all of the advice they could give in 1 hour!!! Poor Pieter!! hee hee.

The beautiful couple!

They had the wedding at a lodge in the snowy canyons...it was beautiful! Here is a quick shot of Maddie and her cousins waiting while the decorating was going on.

Steve's sister has such a great talent with her flower business. I love this bouquet.

Well, you wouldn't believe it if I told you, but the couple decided to go skiing before the reception. Yes, crazy. But, very awesome. I was really worried that she would rip her dress, but it didn't, and I'm sure her wedding pictures are amazing.

Awesome, no?

Off they go...

Down the mountain...

Steve's sister and husband... and Pieter's wife's aunt!

Maddie and her gorgeous cousin!

Dancing until she literally dropped.

Here's to another great Christmas!