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.

4 Month Anniversary

It's our 4-month Anniversary and we have more wedding photos. Yeah!

Thanksgiving in Utah

Not only was it Thanksgiving but it was a major family get together. We decided to celebrate my mom's birthday which was actually in August (something else took most people's attention from her birthday...sorry!). Garrett was happy with the turkey, corn puddin', chess cake, birthday cake, and of course football. You'll be happy to know VT and BYU both won.

You Know Its Fall When There Is Football!

Garrett and I went to our first football game together - Army vs. VMI. Located at West Point, NY made it an easy commute to see a Virginia team play. Fortunately it wasn't that competitive so when we cheered for VMI, I didn't fear for our safety. All in all we cheered for good plays and groaned for the sad plays. Two things I learned...1)VMI does not pass (total of 5 tries with 2 completions) and 2) cadets are required to go to games and do push-ups when Army scores. A pretty fun event over all.

At half time they brought out a 100-yard flag - so cool! That was the largest flag I've ever seen.

In the end Army won. Go Army!

Graveyards - What fun!

While in Vermont, we toured Ben & Jerry's. It was so much fun especially the Flavor Graveyard. Garrett thinks I'm weird for liking graveyards, but he liked this one too. :) These are some of out favorite headstones...

Vermont - Joseph Smith's Birthplace

On our way home from Vermont, we stopped by Joseph Smith's birthplace. I didn't realize that he was born in Vermont and then the family moved to New York. We arrived in time to watch the movie about his life.

It is so moving to remember what an amazing man he was and how the Lord blesses and loves us through so many great trials. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and has restored the loving gospel so that we can live with our Heavenly Father and our family for eternity.