December was a busy month filled with shopping and getting ready for Christmas. We had to buy a new artificial tree because our other artificial tree would not fit in our great room anymore. We put an entertainment center around our TV, and we needed a smaller tree. I was a little concerned having a slim tree, because we've always had a big, full tree, whether real or artificial. But I love having a slim tree! It was so much faster to decorate, and I think a tree looks better when the ornaments fill the tree. I don't like to see too much tree. But that's just me.


The Newleyweds had an early Christmas dinner at their house. Their first Christmas! Mattie and Paul cooked us some yummy and healty Italian food, and there were so many desserts to pick from (and offset the healthy food). Then there was the Scattegories tournament that ended with several tie breakers. It was a really great night spent with the two families, the first time we'd all gotten together since the wedding.


Christmas was spent going to Mass on Christmas Eve, and getting together on Christmas Day at my parent's house. We all got awesome gifts! Rogue got a new bed and a new chew toy, Jason got me a Sirius Stiletto, and I got him a new clock radio for his iPod and some really nice shaving and skin care products. Mattie and Paul got us some movies and video games, and ASU hoodie, and my parents totally spoiled us with slippers, pajamas, L'Occitane products, and a gift card. I spent my gift card on a Bulova watch. It's beautiful (and a great deal, thanks to Overstock.com).


But the fund didn't end there! On December 29, I participated in the Fiesta Bowl Parade with my mom and dad. The ASU Foundation needed some balloon handlers, and I thought it would be fun. We got to hold onto Sammy D. Cowboy, and was the second to last balloon. We had to be there by 9:15 am even though the parade didn't start until 11 am, and we actually didn't go out onto the parade route until almost 1 pm. It was actually more fun that I thought it would be. I see a former coworker and some family walking down the parade route.

And the best part was that we had Sparky with us! I could not believe how many little kids knew who Sparky was. I didn't know who Sparky was until I was in high school. The little kids screamed with joy, just like they would when meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time. And Sparky was great, high fiving little kids, hugging them, just having a great time with the kids. Even adults were thrilled to get so close to Sparky and get their picture with him.

We ended December and the year by celebrating at Mike and Rebecca Fleischmann's house. I think we've been celebrating New Years with them for the several years. We used to go down to the Fiesta Bowl Block Party, but it was getting too crazy down there. It's much nicer hanging out with friends in a warm and safe environment. By 10 pm we were starting to get tired, but we were able to hang on for midnight. We went home around 1 am.