Minus the cold temperatures and the wind, we had a great time in South Dakota. It was full of good food and great friends and family. We spent an afternoon ice fishing with Uncle Jack, Derreck won the ugly Christmas sweater contest at Stella's, and we ate like royalty. 

We spent a few days with both families. As I was unpacking our gifts and putting them under our tree, I was thinking about how thankful we are. 

This holiday season I am thankful for families who adore us and love sending us back to Colorado with lots of goodies. 

I am thankful for friends who meet you for coffee, lunch or happy hour with a minute's notice.

I am thankful for childhood ornaments which adorned my mom's Christmas tree. 

I am thankful that Derreck and I grew up in, essentially, the same place. It's so convenient to see both families with only having to drive 15 minutes. And when we reminisce and tell funny stories about growing up, we get how funny it is because we know the people involved. We never have to worry about going somewhere and not having someone to visit with.

I am thankful for long car rides with my husband, which gives us lots of time to talk about how we would change the world if we won the lottery, New Year's resolutions, finances, and babies. And don't get too excited…it ended with Derreck wanting to adopt a baby from Africa so he can play for the Broncos. Reason #25 that we aren't ready for children.

Bailey and Addie were buddies for the week. 

And I have no other pictures from the week because all the others were sent on Snapchat. Another reason, I'm not necessarily a fan. 

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have a fabulous New Year. Here's to 2014!