Winter Wonderland

Oh my gosh...it was the most beautiful Christmas I have ever seen! In fact, the entire week was filled with BEAUTIFUL snow...and breathtaking snow covered trees. It couldn't have been more perfect. And, unfortunately I didn't take hardly any pictures...cuz I couldn't take my eyes away to go get the camera!

Our week was blessed.... once we got on the interstate. Nathan spilled his strawberry milk on the floor of the car (before we got a mile away from home) that was jam-packed with 2 pups, Nathan, me, luggage, and presents - that have I mentioned, I packed myself? Wrapped myself? Shopped for everything myself? Oh, back to the week...got the milk cleaned up...had to head to Wal-Mart because all of the portable TV connections were in dear hubby's car (and he left 2 days earlier to hunt)...so we were officially 1 hour late for lunch at Scott's Grandma's but once we got there it was just a relief to start the holiday festivities.

Christmas is just so special. I love seeing everyone and catching up and just being joyous. There is no place like home and there is no one like family! Anyway, we really enjoyed ourselves, stayed up super late every night, and ate WAY too much!

Did a little after Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve.... yep, they started the sales before Christmas was even over. My MIL and I went and we found some terrific Christmas decor that totally had me PUMPED! I love cute stuff and good deals!

Nathan was too tired to even put out cookies, milk, and carrots (for the reindeer) out on Christmas Eve...so we did it for him. And Santa came, ate, and left presents...the biggy being a snowboard for the little guy. Later the rest of us opened presents and my MIL made me this precious quilt! My favorite colors! I was so honored to get one from her...she is so super talented! The boys got a different version and they love theirs too.

We took in a movie with both sets of parents on Christmas - 'Enchanted.' Ok, so I picked it out and it wasn't as "family-ish" as I thought...it was more girlish SO my mom, MIL, and I LOVED it! My dad fell asleep, Scott and his brother stomached it and Nathan wouldn't really admit if he liked it or not because the guys wouldn't either. Anyway, like I said, it was good - and remember - I'm the official movie critic in our family.

Nathan's 6th birthday was fun and I can't believe he is 6 already!!!! He got to choose what we would do and eat...and since we already did one party with friends...this one was unplanned and laid back. He picked Pizza Hut for lunch...with all the grandparents. Yum...hadn't had it in awhile. Then we went bowling. It was SO much fun! My mom, bless her heart, shouldn't have bowled (bad neck and back) but she just couldn't resist since it was her only grandson's birthday. And she survived...all of us did...some of us more sore than others... But it was really nice. Both Grandma's surprised us with cake...so we had angel food in the morning and cheesecake in the evening. (Like any of us needed more food - but it was GOOD!) My MIL makes the best angel food cake around and my mother makes cheesecake better than any restaurant I've ever been to! (I didn't shop on this day - usually I sneak a little in - but this year I didn't - and I’m still alive! Wow, I really can do it!)

Took in a little shopping on Thursday - nothing really great except a cool ring for myself compliments of a gift card that I've had for over a year! (Kept forgetting to spend it!) Oh, and I got this really cute dog for Nathan's pup bathroom! Check it out! And no, he wasn't on sale, he was actually more than I wanted to spend...but I just had to have him! He's worth every penny! We also went to see Scotty-boy's new puppy that we'll be getting in about 3 weeks! So fun and so cute!

Went to see my grandpa in his new apartment on Friday - sad but nice. Long story - assisted living - he has Alzheimer’s. My mom, aunts, uncles, and cousins are doing a GREAT job with him - and believe me it's not easy. God bless all of them!

Oh, we also went to this little town about 15 minutes away to see this amazing house that was decorated with thousands of lights and it was all set to music. It was AWESOME! They have raised over $25,000 for Make a Wish!

Anyway, on Saturday we were going to head home (hubby gone again - this time moving a friend and ice-fishing) but my aunt's 65th SURPRISE birthday party was that evening so we decided to stick around, leaving the packing for Sunday, and enjoying some more time with family. And boy are we glad we did - it was worth every minute. The aunts, my mom, one cousin, and I enjoyed a beautiful lunch at our favorite restaurant and then did some shopping before we all had to head our separate ways-which really were the same to surprise my Aunt Karen. And boy was she surprised! My uncle and everyone else that helped did an awesome job! She's such a great lady - a true inspiration - so deserving - and she loved every minute, which made it all worth going!

This morning, we packed. Then we packed some more. Then we unpacked to fit some more in to pack and when all was said and done...I couldn’t see out the back of the Tahoe or the passenger side. We timed it perfectly to meet hubby at home just in time for him to UNpack both vehicles while I started laundry and TRIED to put stuff away. Ok, that is so hard. I was cruising around emptying boxes and bags left and right...the result.... doesn’t look like I did a thing. Holy cow! Love it all but WHERE is it going to go? Nathan and I HAVE to weed out his toys...we have no choice!

Anyway, we came home to no snow. I'm going to miss it. Maybe we'll get some so we can fit in the perfect cuddling these next two days. We have plans for tomorrow night (sort of - haven't committed yet) but I'm torn - wanting to go but yet, wanting to just be home.

Our tree is SO dead. The branches are hanging on the floor! Gotta work on taking that down amongst a billion and one other things...

Hope your Christmas was a blessing and hope your New Years celebration is safe and fun. Cheers!

PS Boy did I miss the blog world! So glad to be back!