Happy New Year!

Jake and I had such a wonderful relaxing holiday that's it's been kind of hard getting back into the routine of everyday life. We traveled down to St. George for Christmas and spent the new year amongst the snowcapped mountains of Salt Lake. This has been our first full week back at work and I'm actually pretty exhausted. I'm amazed at how quickly your body can fall out of a regular routine.

Jake and I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and recap our happenings for the past few weeks:

First of all, Look at all these sweet love notes that I found the morning of my Birthday... I just have the sweetest husband imaginable.  These were followed by a birthday breakfast in bed and hundreds of birthday kisses. The most perfect combination. 

Down in St. George we started off the season celebrating my birthday with a great date night out at Tuacahn. They put on a live nativity and had other fun activities including a live band, hot chocolate and Santa. 

Even though we were in St. George, it was still pretty chilly which required my "creepy" sister missionary coat. Which I still love, love, love.

The best part is that I convinced Jake to sit on Santa's lap. It felt like a huge accomplishment and I didn't feel too out of line either, after all it was my Birthday... although by the look on Santa's face it might have been a little too much weight for those legs of his.

More Sillyness

Afterwards we had some yummy cake and celebrated with Jake's side of the family. We were able to go to dinner and do cake with my side of the family before we drove down south. As you can imagine we have eaten a lot of cake lately.

We don't have many pictures from Christmas. Not that it wasn't a wonderful time, I was having so much fun that I forgot to document the passing moments. 

We woke up and ate delicious Christmas cinnamon rolls

opened presents

hung out with all of Jake's siblings

relaxed

and ended the night with a dessert party at Jake's aunts house.

We were spoiled by everyone this Christmas. Jake's parents and my parents, our siblings, even Jake's brother and sister in-law's cat, they all were so generous and made sure we had a wonderful Christmas. We surprised our nephews and niece with these monograms that Jake designed for their rooms. Pretty creative right? The big D is for the Decker's new cabin.

Along with all fun that came with Christmas also came the stomach flu. It was pretty horrible actually but we were just glad we didn't get sick till after all the festivities.  After a few days of lying in bed I got a little stir crazy and we hiked to the Dixie D. It was one of my favorite short hikes yet. I loved the view!

That Sunday after church and a family dinner we headed home, only to spend some time with my family on New Years which included a party at my cute Grandma's new high rise apartment. 

Jake felt a little like a leprechaun wearing this hat but I think it fits him well.

We are excited for the start of a new year and all the challenges/blessings that will come right along with it. 

2013 was a wonderful year for us, one with growth, heart ache and miracles. We're so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truths that we have here on this earth. We know that Christ lives. That he loves us and is our Savior. Putting our trust and faith in him and his plan for us isn't easy but we know it will be so worth it in the end. I'm thankful for my husband and the life we share with each other. He is my best friend and I'm so grateful for our marriage. We have been so blessed with wonderful loving and supportive parents and siblings. We wish them and all you the very best as you work towards your own goals and aspirations this coming year.

Happy New Year!

Bring it on 2014!