Merry Christmas! ( a little late)

So, as usual I continue to be behind on my blogging and here we are into January and I am just now getting around to Christmas. That seemed to be the story of the season . . . I truly don't know where the time went. It seems like just yesterday we were putting the tree up. A sis tradition, we put it up on the soonest possible date AFTER Thanksgiving and also had National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on in the background. The dogs love this time of year, especially due to the adorable Santa hats they get to wear!!!
Sometime in mid-December, Brett and I had our Christmas cookie baking extravaganza that includes both of us in the kitchen a little eggnog, a lot of Christmas carols and a blast making way too many cookies!
We traveled to PA again this year for the holidays. With so much time on our hands in the car, we decided to listen to an audio book and Brett gave in and approved Twilight. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read New Moon. Christmas Eve is my mom's birthday and for the 2nd year in a row, Brett, the boys and I cooked a wonderful Christmas Eve/ Birthday dinner. This year's menu included horseradish encrusted beef tenderloin, corn casserole, baby yukon gold potatoes, foccaccia bread, and German chocolate cake. While I was very nervous that the meal was not going to turn out (the corn casserole took FOREVER to get done, I came thiiiiiiiis close to burning the potatoes, the icing for the cake never thicken and Scott had to run to the grocery store for store bought icing, and the bread dough never rose), everything worked out and we had a perfect meal with good food and family!

I don't know what I will do when we have kiddos on Christmas, because I still feel like one myself. The anticipation of Christmas morning is almost too much for me! Mom made sure things were absolutely perfect as usual and we were all more than blessed with some pretty awesome gifts. (while not pictured, but certainly a favorite of yours truly, I got my gray Uggs!!!!!)
The rest of Christmas day was spent at my Grandparents house with yet another wonderful meal and lots of laugh. You have to love a family the spends Christmas around the table playing a dice game for quarters!!!!
Yes, the hat says "Bingo Nut"!
Saturday night, we had a party at the house and it was great seeing so many additional family members and friends. I got to spend some time with my best friend Julie which was long over due!
We didn't leave until Monday (the trip was extended by a day because we just weren't ready to leave) and had a great weekend hanging out at home and visiting with friends and family. Sunday was dubbed "dirt ball Sunday" and we didn't leave the house nor did we even get dressed! What a cozy day it was!

After a long trip home on Monday, Brett and I celebrated Christmas again and exchanged presents with each other. Man, did I pick a winner with that guy. He sure knows how to shop and make a girl happy! I don't think I could ask for a more perfect holiday celebration!!!