The Wrap Up

So Christmas break ended up ending.

We drove back east Monday night feeling a little strange...we live in Ohio? A few weeks back in our old Kentucky home and our life here seems fuzzy and foreign. But alas, here we are. We miss our families somethin' awful, but by golly, it's good to be back. There's something to be said for sleeping in your own bed.

But we mustn't forget to wrap up Christmas! We loved spending a week and a half with Andrew's family, and were able to squeeze in a lot of fun while we were there.

 The week before Christmas, we had dinner with some of Andrew's old high school friends, spent time with Andrew's extended family (including Sunday evening at Granny's and Tuesday lunch at McDonald's), I spent an afternoon baking with my mother-in-law Kim and the women in her family, Andrew and I went to see Sherlock Holmes (our first real date in months...loved it, by the way, great movie!), and we continued the annual cookie baking and decorating tradition.

Christmas morning we went to church, then Jaclyn (Andrew's older sister) and her little family arrived and we opened presents together. The most exciting moment was when she and Adam announced they were expecting baby #3 in July! We can't wait!

We had Christmas lunch with Kim's family where we ate, exchanged gifts and played games, then we headed to Andrew's Granny's to celebrate with our other tight-knit set of aunts, uncles and cousins.

 This year the nativity was put on by the great-grandchildren, and Asher (far right) made a swell shepherd, while our niece Aubrey (top center) was quite literally a perfect angel.

Ali and Bryan came in Tuesday night and we had Christmas all over again! Little Henry's first birthday was the next day and we had a blast attending his ADORABLE party - the event of the season. Ali planned a "Mustache Bash," and every detail was hand crafted and perfect!

Listen, you all - it was one of the swankiest parties I've ever been to. With the low light, expensive drinks and downtown feel...I had to remind myself it was a one-year-old's birthday party to keep from putting out the vibe.

Here are some pictures of the event borrowed from Ali, because the ones I took don't exist.

Ali and her yearling

 We love you sweet Henry boy!

 

The Ash Stache

We tore ourselves away from the party and drove up to Louisville to spend the rest of our break with my family. I'd been looking forward to this visit for SO long! Let me tell you - having 5 of us White girls together with our families under one roof was complete mayhem and so much fun. I never laugh more than when I'm with my sisters!

As usual, we took zero pictures of our time together, but I loved playing games (the game of Things, Monopoly, and a new one you should look into - Spontuneous), going out to eat, making our favorite salsa and homemade cinnamon rolls, exchanging gifts (including gags!), watching the cousins play together and staying up too late talking.

We also were able to see some old ward friends, which was big highlight. Even as we're meeting wonderful people in a new place, being away from home has made us miss the comfort of old friends.

Leaving Louisville and family was hard, but we really are glad to be home. In Ohio. Where we belong. :)