The Holidays 2014

I'm writing to catch you up on the things we did while we were in Alabama visiting family over the last month and a half.

Nick and I returned home LATE on November 21st Nick's 30th Birthday. He had no idea that I planned a surprise party for him on the following day eating Mexican with all of his old Country Day School Friends. We had such a great time with everyone.

Lauren, Christina, Nick, Josh

There birthday tradition is to smear whipping cream on your face while singing happy birthday.

The following week we had Thanksgiving at Grandma Bunny's house and I'm sorry to say that I don't have any photos of that nor do I have photos from Thanksgiving at my mothers house. Just know we ate a lot of food!

 After Thanksgiving we visited Brom and Sherry for the blessing of their new little girl. We had a great weekend with them and the Peters' family. It was great watching all the kids play (Including Nick)

Such a great picture of us with Ashley. Thanks Becky Peters for taking it and sharing!

Speaking of Babies I was such a lucky Aunt and I got to babysit and spend time with my sweet nephew Grayson. Can't believe he is starting to craw! Time is flying!

Nick and I were having difficulties trying to decide where we wanted to live so we decided to pick our top favorite places and fly to Boston to take a look at them. Our first day there our realtor drove us around and we check out the apartments. We made a decision and signed a contract.

We walked everywhere as we explored the city. This area is near back bay. We passed it as we were walking to the subway.

 The Pizza from the oldest pizza restaurant in Boston, Regina Pizzeria

For dessert we found a Ghirardelli chocolate ice cream bar. There was way too much dark chocolate in our dessert so I had to stop eating it but Nick finished it off.

After Boston it was basically Christmas time. Nick and I took Joe, our nephew, ice skating and that was a hilarious good time. It ended when Joe got overly confident in his skating abilities and busted his lip pretty bad. After we cleaned him up I wanted him to get back on the ice and make one more round before we headed home because I didn't want him to be afraid of skating in the future. He would not go, so we just went home.

So glad we were able to take him skating and spend some one on one time with him. He is such a great boy and he is growing up so fast.

Later in the week we hunted down our Christmas tree took her home and decorated her. Fun family memories listening to Christmas music while decorating the house.

This year Nick and I spent Christmas with my family and then the week after Christmas with Nick's family. For Christmas we had our usual family get together and it was great to see many people I haven't seen in two years or longer.

We celebrated Christmas eve with my Dad, Judy, Catherine, Ana, and Crockett which was amazing. We went to a candlelight service and then home for a nice fancy dinner. Nick and I got to help wrap presents and then go to bed late just to wake up super early. SO FUN!!

 Ana, Judy, Lauren, Cat

Nick, Lauren, Ana, Catherine, Crockett, and Lina the dog

Waking up super early and surprising Crockett with the flash on the camera... AWESOME!

On Christmas day we went to my mother's house and did a gift exchange with my brothers and sisters (minus a few).

After Christmas it was time to celebrate with Nick's family. Duncan and Devan flew in with their two year old and we did gifts with them. Then we traveled to Gulf Shores. We had a great time in our lovely condo and with all of our awesome activities. I think it goes without saying that everyone really loved fishing... well maybe not Nick so much... sorry Nick

Devan caught the first catch of the day and later the first in season fish that we could actually keep and could eat.

 Poor Nick chummed for the fish! He did a great job because we caught some big ones!

 My lovely Amberjack!

 Lon's Awesome Amberjack!

Duncan's FAMOUS Red Snapper.... that we had to throw back :(

We also took time to go to Mobile and check out the USS Alabama.. It was way cooler than I expected it to be.

 Jennifer with her boys!

 Nick in the submarine.

Jennifer at the front of the submarine.

 Our Condo view...

Madison our niece!

Overall we had a great beach trip. It made it hard to come back home and back to reality of packing and saying goodbyes. But it was great to spend time with family and so glad Grandma Bunny was able to come and visit too.

The weekend before we left for our Boston Adventure Joe was baptized. Before his baptism Nick and I were able to spend some much needed time with my mom and Don. We went out to breakfast and then some shopping. Later after the baptism we went out to dinner. It was great spending time with them.

Joe's baptism was also very special. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Joe(my older brother), Little Joe, Valerie (Mom), Don and Austin

So excited that Mama Ellen Came (My Grandmother on my Dad's side) I took a picture with her because I don't think I have ever taken one with her.

We tried to spend as much time as we could with all of our family members. I'm sad that I didn't take many photos of my family get togethers with my brothers and sisters. I hope next time I will remember.  I will miss all of our family members but I know we will be down to visit and they will be up to visit.