The trip started with a puppy-play-date at my friend
Stefanie's house, where Jax got to meet her white lab, Grissom. The two got along really well and looked so cute together! While the pups played, the girls baked cookies and the guys taste-tested.
That evening we all braved the chilly temps and went to watch my brother-in-law Lincoln play tennis in the final round of a K Swiss tournament. Thankfully, after an almost 3 hour (!) match, he won! It made sitting in the cold, all bundled up, worth it and it was fun to see him play so competitively.
On Christmas Eve, we always go to Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church for their service and then head home for a yummy dinner of shrimp and pesto pasta. Despite the sprinkling rain, we made it there and back safely and settled in for a nice night of great food, wonderful company, and a few sibling gifts - a tradition in our house, to trade gifts amongst the "kids" before Christmas morning.
Kelly and Lincoln were the head chefs this year, making a scrumptous (and a little garlicky) meal for us!
Christmas day, we woke up at Kelly and Lincoln's house but decided to keep with tradition and (after showering) headed over to my parents' house in our pajamas. While breakfast cooked, Jax got to open her stocking - at one point she even had her head stuffed in there to see what presents "Santa" had brought.
Ever since we were little we have posed on the stairs before rushing the tree to see what Santa left for us - this year was no exception, complete with all the pups.
We switched things up this year and actually ate our brunch before tackling any gifts - a delicious tradition of egg souffle, blueberry muffins and mimosas. Yum!
Then, on to the presents! Alex and I both got new racquets, which I have already put to good use. I am so excited to start really playing!
It took a few hours to get through everything...we all take turns, each opening one at a time. It was a great morning - so relaxing and such a fun time spent with family.
Jax brought gifts for all the pups, and Westin wasted no time tearing into his. He opened it all by himself!
I love my husband so much, and had such a wonderful holiday spending time with him!
It felt like another quick trip, and such a whirlwind with all that activity, but so well-worth it to get to spend time with my family. By the last morning, the pups were exhausted and Jax and Westin enjoyed a nap on the couch while we packed up to head home.
I even took drastic measures, broke down, and covered some of our plants so they wouldn't freeze. I've already replaced those crotins once - I don't want to have to replant again next season! Hopefully, as ridiculous as it looks, the sheets will help and we'll get to keep these shrubs through the winter. (no, no, I am not keeping the sheets on that long - just until the freeze goes away, probably in a week)
Some of the guys (sans birthday boy)
There was a gator pinata filled with tiny bottles of alcohol - it took all of the guys to finally get it open!
Ryan and me
Ryan and the birthday boy, Mike
Sitting down to dinner
It was a delicious meal and nice to all be together
Ryan and Mike, ready for a challenge
I wore my "party shoes" - the pic is a little blurry, but I love them!
Wow, look at all the presents!
The dinner table, set for our company. Ryan did a great job setting out all of our wedding pieces!
Group shot before dinner
Family photo in front of the tree
Jax even got to help open gifts
And she loved her Uncle Brad and Aunt Sarah!
A final group shot to wrap up the night. We had a great time!
Their first meeting
Little Gracie
So cute!
Not so sure about this big dog!
