b/c who doesnt love a christmas tree farm

 

  

 

 Mike and I started a new tradition when we got married - get our Christmas tree from a Christmas tree farm. So this year, after Thanksgiving, my whole family packed up and headed to the closest Christmas tree farm. This was the first holiday I got to spend with my sister and her family (excluding her hubs) in 5 years. It filled my heart with joy to be able to roast a marshmallow with them and for my nephew to ask to hold my hand as we tromped through the trees. I loved seeing him pick out the perfect tree, which was exactly three feet high; and teaching my niece how to pinch something far off in the distance (come on, we all know this trick and see it in pics all the time). Oh and let me tell you, I never knew a hayride could be so funny. No idea why we were cracking up....but we were.

I am beyond grateful for this family. Each moment is worth savoring with these folks.  We won't be together always and soon we'll be divided by an ocean again. But I am grateful for the opportunity to make memories and build relationships that will last a lifetime, even when we're gone.

over the river and through the woods...

to our parents house we go!

fact: I loooooooooooove Christmas.

I love the trees,
the decorations,
the traditions,
the lights,
the music
the food,
the family
eggnog
presents
shopping
the parties
etc.
etc.
This is my first Christmas as a wife  and my first Christmas with my Mikey-Mike (aka husband).
We always split up for Christmas (and every other holiday) and met up at some point when we were dating. Our parents only live 45 minutes apart so it worked well.
This year we get to be together the whooooooleee time! So far the entire thing has been awesome... we picked out a tree from a local farm, brought it home, named it (Forest) and decorated it while we watched Christmas movies and drank eggnog. We had a Christmas party. We went over to our neighbors house, Mal and Kyle, and watched Christmas movies while wrapping presents. It has seriously been the most perfect Christmas.
Fun. Relaxing. Festive.

We'll be spending the holidays at his parents house until Christmas day and then head down to my parents house for a few days. Our camera is dead (BUMMER!) and the charger is in Raleigh (ARG!) but we'll see what I can capture.

Merry Christmas Eve to all! Happy almost birthday baby Jesus!

here's a shot of us with Forest before leaving... once I get the camera up and running I'll share some of our holiday fun

windy city getaway

This past weekend Mike and I took a trip to the great city of Chicago, aka the Windy City (despite popular belief... it is named after its politicians long-winded speeches not actual wind... just a little factoid to start your day).

We had an amazing five-course meal at one of Rick Bayless' (TV food guy) restaurant, Topolobampo. Sadly, I couldn't snap any photos... it wasn't allowed... meh. But, trust me.. it was delicious. We just spent the weekend walking around and admiring the city.

 My cutie hus.band, Mike, on our way from the train stop to our hotel, which was right on Michigan Ave... across the street from a four story Nordstroms...dangerous!

The view down from our bedroom window: Christmas lights = happy me


        beautimus view!

Oh, just a treat the hotel left us: two bottle of wine, fresh fruit in spoonfuls, and  a variety of spicy, dark and toffee covered chocolates.
                                     
Hello, snow. Thank you for surprising us Saturday morning! So, this is what Christmas feels like...
                     
                                         Weber grill = man heaven

                   
                    Can you spot Santa? How about 50 of them on bikes?

  There is something magical about a city at night, especially at Christmas.

Our view from the John Hancock building lounge. We met up with a college buddy of mine for a drink and landed the best seat in the house. I think an overpriced glass of wine was well worth the view.

Chicago, we will see you again soon. Thanks for cooperating and giving us wonderful weather, a peak at snow and filling our bellies with delicious treats. Till next time, xoxo.