Family... Christmas and Family go hand in hand for me. This year was no exception. The past few years, we have been hosting Daniel's mom's side of the family at our home for an early Christmas. We had early Christmas the Thursday before Christmas. Daniel's brother, sister in law, and little girl came in the night before to spend some time with us. I was able to get out of work a little early that day and thank goodness because I totally procrastinated food prep, and cleaning big time! I made dinner in the crock pot, was cooking breakfast for the morning, and other side dishes for the following day. I wanted to make sure I had time to spend with everyone instead of my whole day in the kitchen. We had a good evening and I went to bed at a decent hour because the following day was a 10.5 mile run.
I got up, ran, and then came back to prepare appetizers for everyone. The rest of the crew showed up and we had food while opening up gifts. This allowed for maximum time with Hannah (niece) before she went down for a nap. It also made for some extra yummy food and new recipes to try out. :)
This year was no exception. Daniel deep fried the turkey. It of course came out amazing as always.
All in all we had a good time. Everyone stayed much later than previous years because we were able to start earlier. So the whole day was spent with family instead of just the evening. Daniel thought of the idea and I think it worked out best for everyone.
Friday the 23rd Val and I went on a walk. She informed me that Evan and Caitlyn were going to be in Charlotte visiting that night along with her. How was I left out of the loop? Anyways, a quick decision concluded to me packing my bags for the night and driving to Charlotte to visit the fam. Since Evan lives in Mississippi and Caitlyn in NY, I see them about once a year. :(
My father especially has instilled family values in my head. Heck... I dont know if he could have stuffed more about family values in my head if he wanted to! (not a bad thing) Anyways, I value my siblings VERY much and appreciate every second I spend with them. (well almost... sometimes there is drama and pms)
So 99.9% of the time we all have fun. Saturday started with a 8.6 mile run outside followed by a trip to Trader Joes, lunch with Mom and then me driving back home. I drove 4 hours more over the holidays just to see my siblings for a few extra hours both Friday and Saturday. O yes, and to have dinner with my grandparents who I also see about once a year.
Saturday night was eventful as well. Lets just say that the neighbors across the street were having a party and their guests parked all up in my grass and NOT in theirs. I was in my pj's and changed to march over there and demand they move or I would tow. I know... not very Christmas spirit, etc but when they told me that they asked their guest to not park in their grass and then they parked in mine, all niceness went away! Also that night, Daniel and I had dinner together and watched Chevey Chase and the Christmas movie!!
Christmas morning started off with another 5 mile run. I had a great time... like really my body was all in sync and my miles were faster. Anyways, Daniel and I packed up and drove to Charlotte for the day. We stopped in Waffle House for breakfast as we do every year. It was super tasty and a good halfway point. When we got to my parents, we hung out, opened presents, took family photos and ate ate ate! There were 21 people who ended up showing up. Yes 21! Valerie did such an awesome job (as she always does in organizing) and set up an email list of food that people were bringing. SO this year we did not have 3 fruit trays. :)
We stayed until after dark and then drove back home with Caitlyn. Her and I fell asleep the whole way back. We dropped her off at her boyfriend's parents place because she had to go back home to NY the next day. :(
I was so wiped out that I went to bed right when I got home. Sorry cats.... mom is tired.
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