Christmas Eve- traditions and announcements!

This is my first christmas away from my family with Bentley at his parents cabin in Duck creek Utah. It has been different without my mom, dad, and brother, but I am really enjoying getting to know and spending time with my in-laws. 

Especially in such a magical place. 

This cabin of theirs- covered in snow, full of  family, and a cozy fireplace is lovely. I really could not have asked for a better family to marry into, for me this is perfect. I feel as though I blend in like another pair of boots at the front door.

Right where I belong amongst all the other pairs with my sole mate ;)

Their family tradition for years has been to have Bethlehem dinner on christmas eve and dress up like wise men or shepherds.

 The food is always something similar to what might have been eaten during the time Christ was born. Food is served on a low table lit only by candles, with pillow cushions for 'seats', no utensils and grape juice is the 'wine'. This year we didn't dress up for dinner, but we had cornish game hens, cucumber and hummus, cranberry sauce, olives, dates, fry bread, and cheese. 

It was delicious and so much better when eaten with your hands!

 

  


Dig in and drink up!

Yum!

Christmas morning... I'm always one of the first up!

Now for the announcements, dont get too excited I am not pregnant. 

But one of my sisters in law is!!! She told the family christmas eve by having Mimi, George and her 2 boys unwrap a gift that gave it away.

My favorite was the card with the #31 written on it in big black sharpie to her dad since it will be their 31st grandchild.  There are quite a few babies in this family right now. Emily just had one in September, Chandler is 4 months along and now another one due next August

Babies, babies, babies!!!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones!

High school reunions and childhood memories

Last weekend Bentley and I went home (my parents home) to the mountains. We originally planned on spending it together with everyone but at the last second my mom decided to go to her 30 year Pinole Valley High School reunion 

and naturally did not want to go to this sort of occassion alone.

 So I jumped at the opportunity! Girl time in the city and mountain man bonding time. (i love my husband SO much for his flexibility and unbelievably supportive nature.  plus i have never in my life seen my shy brother take to someone like Bent. he is a blessing in our lives in so many ways)

It was a blast, it was so sweet to see my mom enjoying a little.... freedom. Everyone kept complimenting how good she looked, how small she still was (as if she never left high school) and how great it was to bring your daughter. I am such a lucky one. 
Nothing like dancing the night away with your girlfriends :)

Go mom. I cant wait to see my dad feel the same way again someday.

 
On our way up to Danville we got to drive through the lucious green town where I grew up and visit with old friends. We had lunch with the Walkers who  are now nearly 90 and seem like they haven't changed a bit.
So youthful, so kind.
This trip made me want to go back. SO badly. I love the house I grew up in, the orange orchard  I played in, the creek I swam in and the roads I played endlessly on.  I had an enchanting inner city upbringing. 
It's safe to say I could go back.... after SLO and italy ;)

gosh there are so many places I love, its hard to be so sure!

Wherever we end up we will be happy (: thats a give in.

IN OTHER NEWS:
My dad is doing alright, getting a little stir crazy I can tell. So i am ging back to the mountains this weekend to actually spend time at HOME.

I miss them so much, and my brother is at that stage where he is growing up so fast. HE IS TALLER THAN ME already! yikes.

last weekend was crazy busy, full of laughter and tears, (the good and sad kind) hugs and kisses, long talks and familiar faces from childhood days.

I've seen better weekends, not gunna lie. This one was too sorrowfully tearful for my taste. But I can roll with it.

 This weekend is another opportunity to help my dad regain mobility and build muscle.
Bring it :)
Go give you dad a hug right now and tell him how much you adore him!