It was another great birthday this year! I've convinced Brent that a birthday is not just one special day but 3-4 days of festivities. We began the celebration at The Roof Restaurant downtown. Their red velvet cake is to die for and the view is amazing! My family threw a little party for me (more cake!) Aside from the sugar coma, the best part was having my sis in town with her little boy! We all went to breakfast and of course, had to take a pic.
This woman is an inspiration. She is strong, resilient and has such a sweet spirit. She reminds us that despite the evil that exists in the world, we always have hope. She reminds us that people truly are good at heart. This is the video she released to say she is stepping down. I wish her the best.
My sis and I love going to the Sundance Film Festival! It's become our little tradition. This year we steered clear of the documentaries and saw two films- one was a premiere, the other was a competition film. We attended the premiere of "For a Good Time, Call" at Eccles Theatre. It's a female comedy starring Ari Graynor and Lauren Anne Miller. The Q&A session included the entire cast, writers and producers. We found out a few days later that Focus Features picked up the film. The second film we saw was "For Ellen". Jon Heder had a small role but provided a bit of comic relief in an otherwise dragging and dramatic film. We didn't care for So Yong Kim's filmmaking style but overall it wasn't too bad.
Brent's grandfather passed away January 1, 2012. He was 95. We traveled to Southern California for the funeral. His grandpa was a WW2 veteran and given full military honors. It was a nice service and wonderful that the entire family attended.
"While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil." ~John Taylor
Brent and I rang in the new year in Denver, Colorado! The highlight of the trip was the Broncos game on New Years' Day! We had awesome seats and it was so cool to be at a NFL game. Neither of us had been to a professional game so we were taking it all in! We cheered on Tim Tebow and Eddie Royal (so cool to see them in person!) but the Broncos lost 7-3 against the Chiefs.
We spent New Year's Eve downtown. We ate dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. It was so good! If you ever go, get the Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp! We saw Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows at the 16th Street Mall. Great movie. We walked a bit downtown then celebrated the beginning of 2012 playing card games and throwing confetti off our balcony at the hotel.
We celebrated a very, merry Christmas this year! Here are some pics from our family Christmas Eve party. 
Christmas morning was so nice this year; neither of us had to work! We opened presents...
... Griz got a present, too!
We went to church and had a wonderful, music-filled meeting. I sang in the ward choir and Brent sang with the young men. What a happy Christmas! We are so blessed!
Annie and I hosted another fabulous party over the weekend. Our guests wore tacky vests and chintzy sweaters to our ugly sweater Christmas party!
We served classy hors d'oeuvres... Vienna Sausages, Jell-o Jigglers, Cheese Whiz and crackers, a festive holiday cake, chicken salad and red and green M&M's. 
Three lucky guests walked away winners in such categories as the Ugliest Sweater, Most Embellished and Granny's Pick. We played a game of celebrity and had a wonderful time!
