The long trip to California

Trying to get to California for Christmas was not easy. We had a freakin blizzard in Utah the day of our flight I think because the weather was crazy. Rob was picking me up from work but because of the weather the road to my work was closed....so I was pretty much stuck. My friend was leaving work so I caught a ride down the hill with her where Rob was waiting. It then took us about an hour to get on the freeway, not fun. After we finally got on the road it was another two hours before we arrived at the airport (which usually takes 30 minutes). We ended up arriving in California at 3:30 in the morning rather then 9:30...at least we made it!

The blizzard

Rob managing to make it

Our 7 1/2 hour wait at the airport!

Our Christmas...Just the two of us!

Before we left for California we celebrated Christmas with our little family of two! It was so much fun and just perfect. We started with a great dinner and then did our gifts! Santa had magically brought us some matching jammies so we sported them the whole night! So fun!

Our tree!

So......please excuse our huge picture of ourselves

Like a kid again!

He's not as interested

Mounteer Family Christmas Party

This was my first experience attending the annual Mounteer Family Christmas party where they do the white elephant gift exchange and visit with family. I was so excited to be part of the fun. This year we did a soup themed dinner with appetizers and desserts. Sandra made yummy broccoli cheese, Grandma made clam chowder and Sandra also got bread bowls! Steve and Sandra were so nice to volunteer their brand new beautiful home and host the party (thanks Hawkers!). The gift exchange was great and we had some very interesting gifts that ranged from some "just married" panties......to a beautiful purse! Good times good times!

Brandi, Cristi, me and Sandra

Jim trying on Grandpa's prize

Grandma and Grandpa a little shocked!

Jon and Brandi Lowry

Love them!

Carol and Erik Kamradt

The future Mr. and Mrs. Lowry

My cupcakes!

Getting our FIRST Christmas tree!

We were so excited to get Christmas started at our house, we had a whole night planned to get the festivities started. Everything was going so well, we found a beautiful tree for a decent price, got it on the car and home safely, managed to get it in the house and then......3 hours later had it in the tree stand.....STRAIGHT! We still made a fun evening out of it and hopefully next year will go a little smoother!

My sappy hands

Ok...he did a little more work!

Love the timer

We are taking this one!

All the way from Santa's in the North Pole!

Our Monterey trip!

Willi's model pose 

Jeni always needs to get a penny for keepsake!

Awwwww!

We are preparing for Arizona!

Nothing to say about this one......

Nice Rob

Super fresh

I love my hubby!

Good shot Jess, so artsy 

Christmas Lights!

As a Johnston family tradition  we always decorate our christmas tree and put up our lights the day after Thanksgiving. Our tree at my parents is fake and a serious pain to put together! We always dread doing it but still manage to have a blast. This year we decided to put every type and color ornament and garland we had on the tree to make it as ghetto as possible...did we succeed?  

The process begins

 

  

 

 

Thanksgiving Bowl!

All holidays in my family consist of taking full advantage of California weather and going to the park. We start with a few games of dodgeball and then play some very competitive four square! We always have fun and I can't wait to do it again for Christmas!