Christmas doesn't end yet

To celebrate our relaxing weekend together, Garrett and I decided to go to the American Natural History Museum and see if their tree was still up. It was still very festive with the dinosaurs made out of large pine-tree branches and the TONS of people there. It wasn't as bad as Time Square at New Years, but we were amazed at how long the lines were.

When we mentioned that all we wanted to see was the Christmas Tree a worker took pity on us and showed us a faster way. And there it was the origami tree!
I was so excited. I had no clue about this until this year when I googled a few "must see" things in NY. But don't worry this wasn't the first and only year. "For over 35 years" OrigamiUSA has designed and decorated a tree to herald the beginning of the holiday season" for the museum. This year the theme was Origami A to Z. As you look up close you'll see dinosaurs, birds, letters, etc. So much fun!
The top was also very impressive. Maybe we should decorate Mom & Dad Hales' tree this way next year. Are you game?

Just a close up to show all the amazing detail. I love the centipede.

Christmas!!!

We spent our first Christmas in Virginia with Garrett's family. It was so much fun. There was tons of food, wrapping paper and love. And within a few days there were tons of people of all ages enjoying the season - just like a Utah Christmas. :) People kept asking me if it was too much, but it just made me feel more at home the more we played games and laughed.

We ate a lot, so there were a lot of dishes. Derek and Shauna weren't the only ones playing with the suds.

Toby is very loyal when you have ham, turkey, cheese...what a good dog!
Here is the Rose clan! I'm so blessed to be a part of this. Merry Christmas!

Our First Christmas

We went and bought our first Christmas tree. In New York, it's easier to get a live tree, but it's more expensive than other places. We have a lot of beautiful ornaments that really make the tree stunning. We just love having the white lights and pine smell.

My mother sewed us stockings inspired by Martha Stewart but improved by the Hales vision. You probably can't see all the detailed piecing and heirloom tatting. They are gorgeous.

And of course we have first Christmas ornaments - Thank you Mom, Dad, Mama, and Daddy!

And I couldn't help but post a picture of the ornament that we bought in Vermont. We went to a glass blowing studio and watched a vase be blown. I'm a sucker and had to get something to remember the experience. Garrett was sweet and now we have a beautiful glass-blown ball.