The Friday before Christmas Chris and I were extremely lucky to change our late afternoon flight to an early morning flight so that we could miss the 10-12 inches of snow that was dumped on Boston later in the day. We ended up having to connect in Baltimore and made it to Atlanta by 12pm…..before the snow even started to come down in Boston. Who knows if we would’ve made it out or not had we not changed our flight?!?! It was so nice to be at home without the travel woes of flying out in the snow.
We did some relaxing on Friday prior to our very busy day on Saturday. Saturday morning, we met with our Jessica Reichart who is going to help us find a home in Atlanta. On a side note, I know this home buying thing is going to be so overwhelming, especially since we are both so picky. After meeting with Jess, we headed to the mall to do most of our Christmas shopping. It’s unfortunate to live so far away that you have to wait until the last minute to shop. We can't wait until we live in the same state as all of our families next year! After a long day of shopping, we made our way over to the Perimeter mall to meet Adam and Elizabeth for dinner. It was so great to see and hang out with them around Christmastime. This will be the first year in a few years that we haven’t spent New Year’s with them, so we were just happy to be able to get together.
Sunday consisted of a lot of relaxation and wrapping of the gifts that we had purchased the previous day. It would be our last day without a Christmas party for the next 4 days. Monday night we had Christmas at my dad’s parents’ house with my Aunt and cousins. My grandparents hosted our small family gathering this year that consists of everyone stuffing themselves with barbecue, shrimp and salad with my grandmother’s homemade blue cheese salad dressing. After opening gifts, there is always a little bit of cheap champagne that goes around. I am not sure how this eating and drinking tradition was started, but I love it. It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without it.
Kallan, Grandmother and Marin
Dad with Grandmother and Granddaddy
Kallan was very excited to get the Pictionary Man.
Tuesday night we had Christmas with Chris’ parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, niece and nephews. Everyone received tons of great gifts and all the kids were extremely happy with their loot.
Jared and Sandi
Gavin trying to do the River Dance.
Griffin
Gavin, excited about his new toy.
After opening every gift Griffin said "this is what I wanted". So cute!
Jake
Karlie
Jared
Chris and I
Wednesday was probably our busiest day out of the Christmas party days. At lunch, we went to Chris’ mom’s parents’ house and enjoyed yummy appetizers with all of the Hayes extended family. That evening, we had Christmas with my mom’s parents. This is a very small Christmas get together and it is always one of my favorites. It doesn’t include all the hustle and bustle of the larger get togethers. It is just a good time with good company.
Most of crew cram-packed into MawMaw and PawPaw's living room.
PawPaw and MawMaw
Karlie and I
Jo modeling the sweater we bought her.
PawPaw enjoying his gift, a hunter's hearing aid which he is going to use to hear the TV. LOL!
After opening gifts with my grandparents, we opened gifts with my parents. As always, they got us WAY too much! Although, I do appreciate and love all of it. Chris was especially excited about his new ski mittens and I love my new purse and bag to carry to work. We got so many wonderful gifts over the Christmas season. I can’t wait until Chris has a job next year and we can return the generosity to our families that they have bestowed upon us for so many years.
Chris enjoying his new mittens.
I love my new purse!
Marc with his indoor golf practice mat.
Mom with her new North Face jacket.
Dad and Marc
Our Christmas was rounded off by my family’s extended family gathering together at my parents’ house and munching on all of the classic foods, dressing, turkey, cranberry sauce, homemade mac and cheese, etc. It wouldn’t be Christmas without having lunch with all the people in my family who I usually only see on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We spent Christmas evening at Chris’ parents’ house feasting on another yummy meal. We are so incredibly grateful for our loving friends and family and couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas!
Sydney
Emma (I love my new camera!)
Grandmother with Sydney and Emma
My mom and I went shopping the day after Christmas to find lighter than normal crowds. I guess the economy really isn’t doing so hot right now. I always go shopping the day after Christmas and I was shocked this year to not see the huge return lines that usually accompany the day after Christmas shopping. Maybe everyone was happy with what they got this year? We flew back to Boston on Saturday night so that I could have one day at home prior to going back to work. It was very sad to leave our families in Georgia, but it was so fun while it lasted. We will be back soon enough! Love you all!
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