We're Going To Disneyland

Yes, we are leaving Wednesday (22nd) morning at 7:00 a.m. for Disneyland. My mom and I were talking at the Rec Center last week, and I mentioned that I was wishing we could get away for Christmas. One thing led to another and we decided that if Michael and David could get it off that we would go. I felt really good about it and that it was going to work out.
The next morning I called Michael's boss and asked if he could have the time off. We were concerned because Michael works in retail and they rely heavily on him but she immediately agreed to give him the time off. I then called David's boss and that was no problem. My mom then had to make sure my Dad could get it off and after waiting for hours to hear back from him, I finally booked it. We didn't tell Michael and David as we wanted to surprise them.
We sprung the surprise tonight, although I though for sure Michael knew. My mom kept blurting it out in conversations. They were so excited (will post pictures later). I even got a kiss from David and those who know David know how unusual that is. We then went out to finish our Christmas shopping (one last gift for Amy) and talked non-stop about Disneyland. We are so excited and can't believe we are going.

Park City - Utah

More Christmas Parties

Friday night I had my Christmas party with the South Utah County Area. We held it at Preston's house and I had Apple Spice Junction cater. It was a lot of fun. We played a game where everyone sits in a circle and gets 15 beans. Each person says one thing they have never done before and anyone who has done that thing has to put a bean in a cup in the middle. The person with the most beans at the end wins. It was funny. The guys kept trying to say things that was associated with female, like never wearing a dress. But it was pretty funny when two guys got up to put in a bean.
The second party was Saturday night with the division. We went to Cisero's restaurant in Park City and had a nice meal and a good time visiting. Michael went with me to this one and we sat at a table with Preston and his wife. We had a good time. Afterwards the plan was to go see A Rented Christmas at the Egyptian Theatre, which was just next door to the restaurant. There were a few, okay one, who wanted to go bowling so they all went bowling and Michael and I went to the show by ourselves.
It was a really cute story taking place during the Great Depression. A wealthy but single business man walks into a rental shops and decides he wants to rent a Christmas including a family of five children, two home from school, a wife and carolers as well as decorations, presents, and food. The lady at the shop decides to hire actors but the actors cancel at the last minute so she feels in as the mother and has some orphans (one works in the shop) play the children. Of course after everyone leaves the man decides to adopt the children and marry the mother. Lots of Christmas music and singing. They had someone on a keyboard piano, drums, and guitar.
Afterwards we stopped by the Chocolate Factory for hot chocolate and Oreo caramel apples. Unfortunately, the Chocolate Factory does not have seating so we ended up at Burger King and of course had to order something so we could sit down. We ordered a Whopper value meal and shared it. Let's just say we were both disgustingly sick afterwards. Way too much food.

Christmas Snacking

Christmas snacking has begun. My aunt (Tante Magda) each year, for as long as I can remember, has mailed us a package from Nuermberg, Germany filled with different kinds of lebkuchen and cookies. It has arrived and I have been sneaking lebkuchen each night when I'm at my parents.
Today I put together a chocolate bowl for a work party with all my favorits: Rocher, Raffaelo, all flavors of Lindt. Of course I have been snacking on it.

Kate's Grave

After our Kiwanis dinner we went by Target to do a little Christmas shopping and then drove by the cemetary. Michael had put up Kate's tree but the lights had not had time yet to charge. Looks really cute.

Kiwanis Christmas Dinner

On Tuesday evening was my Kiwanis Christmas dinner catered by MATC. Michael went with me and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Seriously, my stomach hurt afterwards from all the food. Josh, sitting with us, is on the board with me.

Orem Rec

I joined the Orem Rec Center on December 1st, along with my mom. We have gone every day to workout. By day three I ran 21 minutes on the treadmill. After about 12 minutes I started increasing my speed every minute. I was so surprised at how quickly I was able to get back into running. We are also doing water aerobics, which is a fantastic workout. Saturday, they had a water class, which was more of a dry land dance class; didn't work well in water. Plus, it was Latin dancing. Really no resistance in the water. So we swam laps instead. I helped my mom with her free-style, a stroke she did not learn as a child. She did really well. The next step will be getting her used to a cap and goggles. Of course, I am loving the steam room. It is nice to have someone to go with me and it has thus far worked out well. We are planning on running the 1/2 marathon next year. And I have gotten down to my old weight, which of course I'm really excited about. Still trying to not eat sugar during the week and low carbs. My one indulgence is Cocoa Pebbles.