It's A Wonderful Life

Happy New Year!! I had no intention of taking so much time away from the blog...it just sort of happened. But I really enjoyed spending some quality time with family over the past week. Christmas was so wonderful, but this year it really seemed to be over in the blink of an eye. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I can't believe it's already 2014, where does the time go?

But, before we're too far into the New Year, I want to share our Christmas with you. It was a really nice, relaxing day. On Christmas Eve, we drove up to the foothills to see my family. Thankfully we were off early, and made it home in time for dinner. We had a white elephant gift exchange that was really entertaining, and mostly just had a great evening visiting with my cousins and family I don't see very often. You might have seen the vintage hand towel my Aunt gave me on Instagram. It was my Grams, and I absolutely love it. It's so special that my aunt passed that down to me. 

After dinner and exchanging gifts with my cousins, we headed back up the hill to my parents house. As always, we curled up on the living room floor to listen to The Polar Express. Year after year, it never gets old. It's a tradition I hope to continue with my family someday. 

Christmas morning was here before I knew it. Since my sister decided to have Christmas morning at her house and start new traditions with Phillip, it was just Andrew, myself and my parents. After making our Christmas latte's, we headed up stairs to see what Santa brought us. Our stockings were jammed packed with such fun items! There was a bit of a camping theme for Andrew, which was very exciting for us...and I got the coolest camping wine glass and other fun goodies! Santa knows me so well :) 

After stockings, my mom made us a delicious breakfast. Including my one request, the traditional cinnamon rolls she makes every year. There is nothing like a homemade cinnamon rolls, they are to die for! The weather was so beautiful, we actually ate breakfast outside on the deck! I think it was a first for Christmas, last year we had snow! After breakfast, we headed back upstairs to open gifts. We all love watching each other open gifts, so it takes us quite a while. We go around in a circle, taking turns while one person opens a gift. It's so nice to really take our time and soak up the spirit of Christmas.

My sister, Josh and Phillip arrived late morning. It was Phillip's nap time, so we visited and opened some more gifts. Once Phillip was awake the day really focused on him. We played and opened his presents with him. I think it seemed like just another day to Phillip, but for the rest of us, it made the day seem more magical. He is just the cutest baby ever!

My Mom made a delicious dinner for us; a filet roast, salad, spanakopita, prawns, and the most amazing potato side dish. Seriously, Andrew is now obsessed and wants to make it every night. We ate a little early since Andrew and I had to drive back to the city. But not before enjoying a chocolate-orange soufflé for dessert! Phillip even had his first taste of chocolate!

Although I was sad to leave, it was such a great day with family. I feel so lucky that I got to spend the day with my family and Andrew. 

Since we were with my family on Christmas day, Friday afternoon we were on the road again, this time to San Diego to see Andrew's family. Luckily, we got off early and the drive was pretty easy. Saturday morning we got up early so Andrew could meet some friends to surf, and his sister could run along the beach. One of my best friends moved to San Diego a few months ago, so we met at a little coffee shop nearby. It was a beautiful day, and felt more like summer than December!

That afternoon we went on a little brewery tour with Andrew's family. We only made it to a couple, but it was really fun! I was surprised to see how crowded they all were, it was a popular activity for sure. 

Sunday were were back on the road, heading home. It was a quick trip, but so wonderful to be able to spend that time with family. We were entertained on our drive home with the Charger game. Andrew and his sister are big fans, so the 49er fan was beat out, and we listened to the Chargers instead. It was actually a pretty exciting game. I can't believe he missed that field goal, lucky for the Chargers! Andrew was thrilled, and is already looking forward to the playoff game Sunday. 

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone, it seemed way too fast this year. But, we were able to soak up as much time with our family's as possible, and that's really what it's all about! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!