Christmas Eve (I know, I know, it seems like months ago already, doesn't it?) was spent cooking and baking in the kitchen with my two lovelies:
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| Pretty cute! |
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| Can you tell these girls are into fashion? This is a snowwoman cookie decorated with a zebra print dress! |
Although we missed the rest of the family in California, we had a great time with lots of singing and dancing (mostly by me, while they rolled their eyes). Christmas Eve dinner was Vegetarian lasagna for most of us, Vegan lasagna for one of us, and a beautiful wilted spinach salad with pears for all, and a dessert of toffee-apple pie with (regular and vegan) ice cream. Yum.
Christmas Day consisted of gift opening (along with oohing and ahhing), a lovely breakfast, more cooking, eating, singing, dancing, movie watching, many rounds of dominoes, and this:
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| Relaxing! While wearing the elf slippers my girls gave me a few years ago. I LOVE them, but only wear them a few days a year! |
The day after Christmas one lovely went home and the other consented to stay at our house and watch the dogs and cat for us while we drove up to Maryland, to see the bf's family. What is normally a 8 1/2 hour trip became a 14 1/2 hour trip because of this:
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| The first part of the trip was spent on an interstate that hadn't been snowplowed yet (Snowplows? We don't have snowplows in southeastern NC!). It was one lane down the middle of the interstate, in about 8 inches of fresh snow, at about 20 miles an hour. Took us 4 hours to get 100 miles. We just kept telling ourselves "well, at least we're not traveling with little kids!" |
When we finally got to Frostburg, there was a little bit of old snow, but nothing falling, although the thermometer said 18 degrees. Next morning it said 11 degrees. I can honestly say I have never been in that kind of cold, and I was in no hurry to do so. Needless to say, we spent most of our time indoors, talking, laughing, and playing board games, in the bf's mother's cozy, lovely home. (I have serious house envy for that house! I wish it hadn't felt so...weird to take pictures of it, or I would do a whole post on that house.) At the end of the week we packed up and went home, a much easier trip than the one going up, and just in time to receive shipment of the bf's Christmas gift to himself:
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| Maybe I should have "staged" this photo? I am now trying to decide what to do above and behind the TV - any suggestions? |
We spent New Years Eve eating fish tacos in front of the above, surrounded by warm and loving (and, judging by the amount of begging going on, starving - just kidding, they're always like that) furbabies, and counting our many blessings this past year. I know it wasn't an easy year for a lot of people, but for us it was a pretty good one. Also, I kept annoying the bf by jumping up to stand in front of the tv and say "look how much bigger their heads are than mine!" It is a big tv.
Although I haven't had time to post, I have been visiting all my favorites and it appears that a good time was had by all, although aren't we always glad when it's over? I've heard many people say that this year was the most relaxed holiday they can remember. I'm not sure I can put my finger on why it is, but I feel exactly the same way. It was truly a happy, relaxed time, and when I came back to work and my "normal" life I felt completely rested and recharged. I'm ready for 2011! I know I'm late, but Happy New Year! I wish you all much joy!
**Note: The reason I haven't posted all this week is because I got a new computer for Christmas (Thanks, Babe!) and it's taken me this long to figure it all out and to get photos uploaded! Hopefully I am now ready to go and will stay on track now!
Your girls are very pretty...are they twins? They look so much alike!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great holiday. And how sweet of your honey to give you a new computer!
Happy 2011!
Lovlie is rockin' the reindeer sweater! I can't believe the 14-1/2 hour drive drama. I'm surprised that you can still say it was a relaxing holiday. Good luck with your new computer. It's always fun to have a new toy.
ReplyDeleteTrust me next year you'll be snapping away at the BF's parents house like you're from Elle Decor.
ReplyDeleteI think it becomes as natural as breathing.
Your holidays sound lovely and your girls are beautiful.
I can't believe you traveled in that snow. i would have needed a xanax to get in the car.
xo jane
I also think the holidays seemed more relaxed this year. It seems everyone simplified this year. I know I did. So glad you had a terrific Christmas! (love the slippers!) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne (such a pretty name, btw) - Thanks - they are really wonderful daughters, and they're five years apart, but they do look alike. Many people ask if they are twins.
ReplyDeleteSteve - They both rock everything they wear!
Jane - hahaha...I hope you're right. It would make a good post! And on the trip the bf and I did a good job of keeping each other sane, I think. We travel well together. It's one of the (many) things we like about each other.
Bonnie - Glad to hear you also had a lovely, relaxed holiday.
Brutal trip. Glad the way home wasn't as bad. Sounds like your holidays were nice and your girls are really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Monkey Grass Hill!
Julie