Christmas Break Still Going Strong!

I'm very proud that for the most part I was unplugged since my "Out Of Office" was turned on last Friday.

Christmas Eve day we picked up Nate's parents (Cheryl and Denny) from the airport and headed immediately to Chick-Fil-A for their incredible peppermint shakes. Got to the counter and the guy says "I'm so sorry but we're out of peppermint shakes". I'm pretty sure my lower lip stuck out about a foot as I explained that it's not fair that they run out on Christmas Eve. "We just picked our family up from the airport and they're here from MI. There are no Chick-Fil-As in MI and they were SO excited for the shake." Ok, that was a small fib - his parents didn't really care to have the shake as much as I did, but they didn't need to know that detail.

When I realized that everyone behind the counter had gathered and was looking at me like they knew they just broke my heart, I let it go. They really felt bad and I think were worried I was going to cry. So I ordered a lousy vanilla shake and we took our seats. Then, out of no where, the man from behind the counter comes out with a peppermint shake! I wanted to jump up and hug the little man that all of a sudden was giving me an early Christmas present, but he had his finger to his lips saying "shhh"... I was so confused. He then explained, "I went in the back and we barely had enough to scrape together to make a full shake. If the other customers find out I did this for you, they're going to be mad." I think he was referring to the children that were in line behind me, sorry kids!

I couldn't stop thanking him and we tried to tip him but he refused. See, angels come in all forms - even peppermint shakes! I was so happy!

Cheryl brought all the much needed goodies....

...these cookies and treats are nearly gone now and may have had an effect on my waste line, but meh, that's what running is for.

For Christmas Eve, Nate made our latest dinner dish, Chicken breasts stuffed with boursin cheese, bacon, and wrapped in prosciutto (accompanied by a hearty salad of course).

Mmmmm! Mom and Kellyn came over for dinner too. Then we were visited by some fabulous carolers!

I'm so bummed the only picture that I took turned out so blurry *dislike*. The Jacksons and Julie's parents and brother Scott (visiting from Utah) surprised us and did such a great job. They even left another plate of goodies, score!

Later we all headed to church and Kellyn even wore a tie!

Nate lending a hand.

Singing Silent Night by candle light can never be topped! I was too tired after church to attempt the cinnamon rolls, so I left it for the next morning.

...that turned out to be a bit of a mistake! Apparently, cooking with yeast takes time and it was time I was not taking into account. Once I got going Christmas morning on the rolls, I realized they weren't going to be ready by breakfast. So Nate and Denny made eggs and bacon for us instead. Nate in his Santa t-shirt playing Taylor Swift's version of Christmas songs had to accompany his cooking duty...

Finally, I was able to finish my very first homemade cinnamon rolls and they turned out to be a perfect midday snack.

I was so sad for Mom who got sick with a nasty cold on Christmas Eve and felt awful all Christmas Day :( We delayed opening our presents so she could get more rest and spent the rest of Christmas Day relaxing, napping, movies, reading - all the good stuff!

Mom was able to rally it together so she and Kellyn joined us later that afternoon. We had planned to go to the National Cathedral for a 4pm service, but at 3pm I realized I was still in my sweats (my goal for Christmas Day was to stay in my sweats as long as I could). So I opted to stay behind and shower while Mom also got to rest a little more. Kellyn, Nate, and his parents headed to the service and said it was really great.

When they got back, Mom and I had dinner ready to go - honey glazed ham, Cheryl's cheesy potatoes, and steamed veggies. Then it was present time! Mom is really great at creating a 'Christmas Present Presentation' and hosting Christmas at our place was no exception...

Kellyn's photography skills

The sugar was starting to gt to me!

Even Shauncey got a present!

She was so dainty and carefully bit off tiny pieces and slowly shredded off longer strips to get to her present. Such a silly dog!

Mom wanted to spice up one of her gifts to Nate so she blindfolded him and gave him pieces of his present as clues....

Clue #1: Ginger Root. Nate's reaction: "...uh..."

Clue #2: Carrots. Nate's reaction: "Carrots? Why would I get carrots? What are you trying to say?"

Clue #3: Celery. Nate's reaction: "Celery... I'm seeing a trend here." But he still couldn't get it.

Final Clue: Apples. Nate's reaction: "Apples? Oh... a juicer?!" Such a smart guy.

Photo of the Carrier Classic

I'm not sure why I stopped taking pictures at that point. Oh wait, now I remember... because I was too busy opening presents :) So much fun and never gets old!!

Post-present time, we played the latest version of Catch Phrase, which Kellyn got as a gift. We split the teams girls vs. boys (girls were the reigning champs, btw). If you haven't played this game, go get it and make sure you have 5+ people for the biggest laughs. You are given a word and you have to get your team to guess the word. With a clicking timer reminding you of your very limited time, people tend to blurt out exactly what comes to their minds first which can be dangerous and hysterical. It's also funny to see how you decide to give clues. Many funny memories from that game to keep me laughing for a while!

Post Catch Phrase was dessert - Mom brought over a Yule Log. Never had one before and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had such a fun and relaxing Christmas. I feel very blessed!

The next day Nate's parents and I decided to do some shopping (after stuffing ourselves at Hell's Burger). We strolled through Old Town popping into their unique shops. I lost Nate in one of them, searched, and found him sitting on this couch, reading...

I noticed he was reading "What every husband should know" and decided to leave him be so he can concentrate ;)

I made my first homemade apple pie, but I'm bummed to report it wasn't that good... must perfect with practice! We decided to watch a movie later that night. Got the fireplace going in the basement, blankets out, candles lit, and all ready to enjoy. Based on a good review by a friend who shall remain nameless, we picked "The Change Up". Listen to me when I say, do not ever watch this movie with your parents. Awkward. Actually, you could probably stand to not watch it ever. The movie took nearly everything too far and we turned it off about 20 minutes into it with all of us having red faces. I don't even want to talk about the final scene that got the loudest gasps and the STOP button, ew!

Tuesday brought lots of rain but we met my mom for lunch in DC and then ran some errands. After such a long day of cold rain, we came out of Home Goods to a GORGEOUS double rainbow. This thing was huge and too perfect to catch on camera.

Yes, Lord, I too feel that Home Goods is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow :) Such a great reminder that it takes a little rain to make a rainbow. Always count your blessings!

We drove back into DC later that night to look at the National Christmas Tree. Sadly, we weren't all that impressed but it was fun to check them out.

 In front of the Capital, not sure it was an actual tree...

In front of the White House. It was nice... but smaller than we expected. Am I wrong to think our nation's capital should top the Rockefeller's? But they did have these smaller trees for every state which was neat.

Wednesday, Nate and I popped into work for the day while his parents enjoyed the museums in DC. I wish I only worked one day a week. It would be fun.

Now we're in Florida! Nate's parents flew back to MI on Thursday just as we flew to FL to visit my family in Vero Beach. We will then continue on to Delray Beach to enjoy NYE and my birthday in the sun with nothing to do besides relax, reflect on 2011 and finalize our resolutions for 2012!



Hope everyone has a great New Year!