the christmas time.

Christmas, like most of the normal human race, is my absolute favorite time of year.
This Christmas was no exception.
We started off our Christmas vacation by traveling to Cour D'Alene, Idaho where Tanner's grandparents cabin is located. This year it was a 'Clark' Christmas, so everyone was planning on coming together for Christmas this year.
Tanner has a MUCH bigger extended family than I do, so it was a little different than what I have been use to with my family, but it was so fun and I really won the lottery with the family I married into!

We were able to stay in his grandparents neighbor's cabin because they live in a warm place during the winter and stay in the cabin for the summers (smarties). It was really nice to be able to have that house to ourselves as a family to be able to open gifts on Christmas morning just as an immediate family. And also, somewhere to go when you needed a second of quiet ;)

Tanner's grandparents had set up a schedule of activities for when the whole family arrived... it kept us busy, busy, busy but it was worth it! The schedule included a family fun center full of bowling, mini-golf, water park and banquet room full of food! Then it included a huge 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the local church building (that lasted 4 hours might I add!) and then the night ended with a delicious baked potato bar and a gift exchange (we got a waffle maker! We've been wanting one for a while... score!)

Tanner got a home defense shotgun for Christmas from his dad that he was STOKED about. Me... not so much.. but at least we have it for emergencies ;) He got all kinds of accessories to go with it including a bunch of ammo, so Tanner was set. We both were spoiled beyond belief this Christmas... we are truly blessed! (thanks family!)

Then after an amazing Christmas at the cabin, we headed to Vancouver the next day to visit my family. Once again, we were completely spoiled rotten and enjoyed the time to relax and see more family... that's what the holiday's are all about right??

All in all, it was an amazing, beautiful, well-spent Christmas vacation that we both never wanted to end!

Tanner & I went a little overboard on Christmas presents for our families... Thanks Amazon Prime! ;) 

My first attempt at sugar cookies from scratch... and they turned out great! They were a hit. Whew.

One of my favorite gifts from the hubby... he knows me so well :) 

Banquet room full of family and room at the family fun center!

The extremely competitive Clark family 3-on-3 basketball tournament! 

Speaking of going overboard.. Troy (tanner's dad) had a little too much being in charge of gifts this year... but none of us are complaining! ;) 

Cutie Nikelle opening one of her many presents! 

We got to Skype Cory in the Philippines! It was so great to see his face and hear his voice. 

No caption needed.

Asian boy.

Mr. Max and Me.

Love that mother of mine! (Yes, we have matching coats!)