There is something about squeezing 14 people and 1 dog into my parents living room to open presents and spend quality time with one another at 6:30am on Christmas morning. Pajama pants and coffee breathe are totally acceptable. Some of the photos are blurry but as stated earlier, it was 6:30am!!Pajama pants and coffee breathe are totally acceptable. Some of the photos are blurry but as stated earlier, it was 6:30am!!

Oops! I haven't blogged since Thanksgiving. Isn't is crazy how the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is over in a blink of an eye. As I think back, I can't think of anything I did in those two months except buy presents, wrap presents, send Christmas cards, etc...

I will say that one of my favorite things about living away from my family is, "going home" for Christmas. There is something about traveling home for the Holidays that makes me feel warm and cozy inside. I think knowing that you'll see everyone and they'll all be in a good mood and full of cheer makes the trip priceless.

The following pictures are from Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve traditions include: church, dinner and dice game.

My Mom, Step-dad, Grandpa and brothers came to visit for Thanksgiving. It was fun to be able to host Thanksgiving in our new home. I thought for sure I would have some sort of kitchen disaster while cooking a big meal but we had a disaster free Thanksgiving (mostly due to the fact that my mom was there to coach me along). Everything turned out so great and it was a lot of fun to spend time together.