Christmas Festivities in NC

We had a really fun Christmas in NC with the Hart crew. There was lots of good food, good times, and mini-spats among the little ones. But, it was a great, relaxing trip. (On a side note, I am happy to be back home until after the baby comes, so no more traveling for a while. Phew!)

Mom, Dad, and Baby Girl's Stockings

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field...

Some of the Grandkids Dancing With Santa (I love this)

I was also blessed to have a family dinner/shower at a Japanese steakhouse in Asheville (courtesy of my brother-in-law) and a ward/friend shower at my parent's house in Whittier. I got so many wonderful gifts and had a great time with some great women. Thanks everyone for being so kind!

Family Shower Cake

Ally & Mom at Dinner

One of the Family Shower Gifts

Hart Ladies

Chapman Ladies


Family Shower Guests

Friends & Ward Shower Cake

Friends & Ward Shower Guests

A Gift from Friends/Ward Shower

And now we wait...I am 34 weeks along and getting really excited...

Parties, Parties, and More Parties!

I got back a couple days ago from a jam-packed trip to Utah. It was a great trip filled with lots of family time, and it was hard to say goodbye to people (even though it is only for a few months). This was my last trip to Utah before the baby comes, so things will be A LOT different the next time I see everyone.

Party #1 - Baby Shower

My wonderful sister-in-law, Jess, hosted a really fun baby shower for me (32 weeks, BTW - getting there) - complete with yummy food and a cool cake! She was also an awesome photographer, but that means I didn't get any pics of her. :( Anyway, thanks Jess! I had a great time!

Me Holding my Baby Girl for the First Time (Kind of)


Me and Sara


Aunt Joanne, Cousin Gina, and Emily


Aunt Julie and Karen and Sweet Baby Darby


Gift


Another Gift


A Totally Cute Tutu from Auntie Em


BYU Paraphernalia for Our Little Girl! (Chris' Favorite Baby Items so Far)

Party #2 - Omniture Holiday Party

I have been posting pics from this party (or me on the day of this party) for 4 years now. This was actually my fifth party. The first one was not documented for all to see (since everyone cares). I have to say this year's dress was the least formal, but the MOST comfortable. I had a great time this year. I missed having Chris with me, but he probably didn't mind not having to mingle with a lot of people he doesn't know.

Me Before the Party (Thanks for helping me get ready, Jess!)
(Could I look more pregnant in this pic? Nice pose - feet apart.)


My Co-Workers

Party #3 - FP&A Christmas Dinner at Sundance

This has become a tradition, too. Our dept goes to dinner up at the Sundance Ski Resort every year at Christmas time. This year it was snowing A LOT, and my rental car was an SUV, so I got the privilege of driving. I have to admit I was a little scared going through the canyon and up the steep road to the resort, but all went well. Phew! We had a fun night including a white elephant gift exchange (or Yankee Swap, for you Office aficionados). My co-workers also gave me a nice baby gift. Thanks, guys!

Now after 12 hours of traveling through snow and freezing rain on Tuesday, I am back in Texas enjoying the warm(er) weather. And, we are leaving town in just a few days to go to NC. Fun and exhausting!