Holiday update

Joe's 24 Birthday - Joe got to spend the majority of his birthday at the airport because he was in San Francisco interviewing at UoP the day before. He woke up really early because his flight home left around noon and he wanted to see the sights. He made it to Fisherman's Warf and Ghiradelli Square for breakfast where he had a bowl of clam chowder and a chocolate milkshake. (the best birthday breakfast ever right?) He didn't arrive in Dallas until 6 that night so we had time for dinner and presents! Joe's birthday dinner has been at Texas Roadhouse since we've been married so of course I thought it was only fitting to take him there. It was wonderful! I spoiled Joe with a handmade Teipi Teranishi indigo leater wallet. He was in love. Teranishi is a member Thrice and he has been eyeing his handmade leather goods for ever. I also got him a volcom hat, a season of scrubs. We went out to dinner with Kathryn and the Hatch's the following day and spent the evening bowling! 

Thanksgiving- The whole Phillips gang made it out to Dallas for Thanksgiving this year! It was a really fun couple of days to spend with everyone. Luckily the Hatch's have a giant home and everyone was able to be together. We had a delicious meal that the women prepared hard for. With the family have so many dietary restrictions it got a little difficult to accommodate everyone. But everyone was full after the night was over! Throughout the week we spent a lot of time playing games, entertaining the little ones and just having a good time being with loved ones. We even had a family "lip-sync off". Joe, Kathryn and myself totally dominated this competition. We choreographed a number to Larger than Life by The Backstreet Boys. It was award winning. 

Christmas- My family decided to have a little reunion this year for Christmas. We have not all been together since Clint graduated from BYU... so probably 4-5 years. My parents helped pay for flights which was the best Christmas gift ever. Going back to Cedar was quite enjoyable actually. After moving to the flat lands of Texas I sure do miss those beautiful mountains Utah has to offer. It wasn't too cold while we were there so that nice.  Everyone was able to have a room and bed at my parents house. Joe met Clint for the first time during a quick meetup in November so this was the first Joe really got to be a part of my whole family. He fits in so well with us, it sweet really. I think its crazy that I have 3 nieces and nephews on my side already. It was so much fun playing with little Lexi and Nora for the week. They are adorable little baby girls and so different from each other. Skyler is also my best bud and I love that kid to death. I think the adults played the card game Bohnanza every night! We also got to spend a couple days at Janet's cabin in Brian Head. That was so much fun! Joe and I even got a morning in of boarding which was seriously the best. I loved being able to be with my family for an extended period of time. We are all so spread out that I really cherished Christmas. 

My Birthday- I turned 23 this year! Joe took me to Maggiano's for dinner and to the movies. He surprised me at home with a Kitchenaide! HE IS SO COOL! I now get to make delicious treats straight from my kitchen. He also picked out some very cute shoes for me too! The other part of my Birhday present was tickets to see Pixar in Concert with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. This was the BEST concert that I have ever been to. No joke. I loved being able to hear and recognize tunes from our favorite Pixar movies.