So much Christmas this year! We've been busy giving and receiving and socializing nonstop since December 20th and its been both wonderful and exhausting. As I type, presents in various states of unboxing spill out from under the tree and mingle with the general chaos of unpacking and dust that greets one upon returning from a trip. So much joy, so much cleaning.
Because we can't be bothered with staying home, we're heading off for two days in Pittsburgh with friends just as soon as some laundry goes through. So for now, a quick photo recap of Christmas 2019:
Rewinding back to the weekend of December 14th for good measure... Our annual Cookies and Caroling party. A small group this year but that means the house stayed clean and what we lacked in number we made up for in enthusiasm of singing.
Another day, another party. This time Sarah's annual cookie-exchange-and-Aaron's-birthday party.
I just love these kids.
The last week of school before break was a blur, with two concerts at the kids' schools, two holiday parties, and a gift exchange with our Community of Hope family.
Luckily we had enough cookies on hand to make it through.
Oh and we squeezed in a return trip to Glow, this time with beer, birch rods, and people dressed up as Krampus.
It was a hoot.
In the midst of our busy week we also trekked out to Stan Hywet. It was a frigid night but absolutely perfect, with a snowfall from earlier in the week lingering, draped artfully over the outdoor floral arrangements, reflecting the colorful lights.
Perfection in my happy place.
The house was beautiful, too, though the theme of "A Superhero Christmas" was not one of my all time favorites. The Lego display in the great hall was fabulous.
And I did enjoy the general mess in the breakfast room, where snowmen create just as much chaos while baking as my family does.
Speaking of messes... one forgets how wild Christmas can be with little ones around! Sally and I gave gifts from our table to Ellie and her kiddos, and had cookies and cocoa and sang carols. It was very sweet if surprisingly crowded for the small group in attendance.
December 21st-- the winter solstice and the first of our family Christmases.
A short day but a sunny one, and full of Christmas cheer. We were all well spoiled by Gram and Vovo and between the lovely gifts, visiting relatives, and beautiful brunch, it really felt like the holiday had been accomplished.
Also the yule log screensaver on the computer really added to the day, I think.
A quick visit to the Solstice Steps to see our lovely lake on the shortest day...
... then home to pack like crazy for our trip to Aurora...
Breaking this post into two because there's just too much loveliness. More to come!
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