We usually keep our tree up until January 1st and by then I'm ready to have our house back in order. This year, I wasn't ready even on January 2nd. Maybe getting older is making me clingy.
Even though every other blogger has long since posted her Christmas pictures, I'm just now getting around to it. Since I'm late, I thought I'd throw in New Years Eve too.
We started a new tradition: looking at Christmas lights in our pajamas. With a side trip to Lowes to embarrass the tweens.
Traditional Ladies-of-the-family Christmas Eve Tea
Christmas Eve with my husband's side of the family
Christmas morning brunch at our house. My daughter set the table and did a beautiful job. The only time of the year I use my fine china.
Christmas morning "thank you" hugs. Melt. my. heart.
Each of the kids received a jumbo Nutella from my mom. It said, "not for mom." She knows me too well. ;)
I love this picture of my parents, soaking up the joy of watching their family and still holding hands after all these years.
My mom found my brother's childhood baseball card collection and wrapped it up for him. What a fun gift! And now he could probably pay his house off by selling them on ebay.
A typical response when I open a great gift. This one was FAB.U.LOUS. My first (ever) Coach purse. Love. it.
My handsome man with his one-of-a-kind Steelers hat signed by Troy Polamalu (think Head and Shoulders commercial) We could probably pay off our house if we sold it. Which we won't.
My mom's beautiful mantle ... to go with a beautiful day.
We kept New Year's Eve to a minimum this year. We typically have a huge party, but this year we needed to keep it intimate. Somehow the food supply didn't get the memo.
I host and she brings the fun stuff. I like this plan!
Happy New Year
Hello 2012
wow..gretchen! your children have so grown :) beautiful. happ new year to you and yours. scottie barber
ReplyDeleteOh, I just LOVE that picture of your parents holding hands!! So, so sweet. Happy New Year Gretchen! And, you are not alone...I'm not taking my tree down just yet either. I'm not ready to say goodbye just yet!
ReplyDeleteLove your photos, Gretchen! And it's not too late to post them. I figure that if we follow the liturgical calendar, Christmas is not officially over until Epiphany. Of course, I don't know much about the liturgical calendar, but I'm willing to learn!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful Christmas with your family. I agree with you about a Coach purse being a wonderful gift. I've received two or three of the them over the years, but I'll never forget the first one I got. It was the most exciting gift to open! :)
Looks like sweet memories were made!
ReplyDeleteLove the Nutella. Great idea. My mom used to wrap up a jar of black olives for my birthday every year because they are my favorite! Happy New Year. One of my New Year's resolutions is to use my china more often this year....we never really use it and my girls LOVE to have "fancy dinner" in the dining room.
ReplyDeleteLove that your parents still hold hands, too. Laughed at the Nutella... toooo funny. :) Looks like y'all had a wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI 'refound' you through a comment you left for Linda. I used to read your blog a few years back, now I'm blogging at Runningtobeskinny.com I hope you'll check it out. I look forward to catching up on your cute blog.
ReplyDeleteLove all your photos...looks like a great time with the family. :)
What a lovely family!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and of course it is never to late to post anything as bloggin is mainly for our memories so post away...
ReplyDeleteBlessings
the christmas table was gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeletea real, live coach purse?!!! how fun is that?!
i wish we lived closer! you are so fun! love the pics.
Beautiful pictures! Happy 2012 to you!!! XO, Aimee
ReplyDelete