Christmas 2010, Part 2: Oregon!

This has been one of my favorite Christmases ever! I was able to fly home to Oregon on the 23rd, and then spent Christmas eve and Christmas day with my family. My brother Brad and sister-in-law Jessica came up from Texas, and we've played games, watched movies, and simply enjoyed each others' company. Later, my younger brother, Trevor, and his new wife, Kristin, returned from their honeymoon and completed our full house. Despite preparations for the open house in Oregon, it's been a pretty stress-free last few days. Here are some of the highlights of the week:

1. Christmas Eve
As tradition, we went to a movie, followed by dinner. This year we watched the new Chronicle's of Narnia movie, Voyage of the Dawn Treader (which was good, but not as good as the first two movies in my opinion). Afterward, we ate dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, PF Chang's. Mmmm...chicken lettuce wraps! We also drove around the Portland Temple after dinner, which really set the mood for the evening. The night concluded with reading the Christmas story from Luke 2, secret Santa gift exchange, and watching a few Christmas carols. Christmas Eve is definitely the best day of the year!

The movie theater and restaurant were near a large shopping area in Lake Oswego. I loved their Christmas decorations!

Cute parents =)

Mom, Jessica, Brad, Kimberly, Me, and Dad

The beautiful lights!

We didn't eat here, but I thought it deserved a place on my blog. What an amazing combination!

Yum! Dinner!

Jessica and Brad were a little excited...

Our REAL Christmas tree! (Sorry about the yellow coloring...)

This is my favorite picture. I had Jessica this year as my secret Santa, and I had a great time shopping for her! Brad wasn't quite as thrilled with my choice of gift. Maybe Jane Austen will grow on him after the 3rd or 4th viewing?

Kimberly is the musician in the family and played a few pieces on the piano for us.

2. Christmas at Grandma Morgan's!
Ever since I can remember, we've always driven to my grandparent's house for Christmas dinner. Basically, we get up early, open presents, and then fight over the bathrooms so we can be ready in time to leave for Vancouver, WA. I always look forward to Grandma's dinners because she makes the most amazing meatballs in the world, as well as delicious ham and potatoes. This year was even better because my cousin and his wife and their two little boys joined us from Seattle. It was fun having little kids around again, especially when it was time to open presents! And, as tradition, we spent the evening playing games. It was a very nice Christmas.

Kimberly and my cute 2nd cousin, Jack

Jack was pretty excited about all the toy cars he got this Christmas!

Jessica, Brad, Kirstin (holding baby Brandon), and Dennis

Grandma Morgan always has the most beautifully-decorated house for Christmas!

3. Trevor and Kristin's open house
I don't have any pictures yet for this, but I want to say that the wedding and the open house were both successful! Trevor and Kristin got married on the 18th in Bountiful, Utah. It was a cold, but wonderful day. Their open house was at the Institute building in Gresham, Oregon. It was fun to see friends and family as we celebrated Trevor and Kristin's marriage. Stay tuned for a post completely dedicated their wedding, including tons of pictures!