When I get around my family I have a tendency to take a hiatus from all social media. It’s kind of amazing, actually. It’s like I forget an outside world exists. A wonderful few days to soak up family times always leaves me feeling joyful and ready to return. We celebrated Christmas with my family over the extended weekend since David, Hailey and I will be celebrating Jesus’ birthday at home this year.
So… where to begin?
Hailey tried her first shrimp. You’re welcome for that open-mouthed picture. She liked them! With no allergies in the family and having no fear with trying other foods (besides peanut butter), I’m not sure why I put it off for so long.
We all got outside in the unseasonally warm weather. I managed to get in two long speed walks, 3-4 miles each, which felt amazing after a week off due to being sick. Hailey enjoyed some swing time. Papa John got stuck pushing Minnie. He’s such a trooper.
Hailey officially understands what presents are and had an absolute ball. A new doll, new pots and pans, a tea set, a fruit set, a new outfit, new books… that all equals one loved, overstimulated toddler!
I was so thrilled that Kris, Cara and Kyla were able to come up for the day. It’s amazing how quickly babies grow and I love to soak up my Kyla time whenever I can get it.
Of course, we ate some great dinners, as always. However, the make-your-own-lunch sandwich bar is always one of my favorites.
We packed up and headed out yesterday, making a quick stop in Augusta to visit some of our dear friends, Joe and Jane Marie. We miss them so much since they’ve moved! Jane Marie made a delicious lunch look easy to whip up, even at 37 weeks pregnant.
Fellow bloggers, she has THE perfect lighting for photographing food in her kitchen. I ohh’d and ahh’d over it! After we spent time catching up and letting the pups play, we were back on the road.
The rain moved in and the roads became congested. It took us much longer than it should have to get home.
It still didn’t stop David from ripping into our surprise gift from my folks, a bread machine, at 9:00 last night.
No complaints here. I woke up to the smell of freshly baked whole wheat bread for breakfast!
I can’t wait to play around with it more. Now I’m ready for a full day. Hoping to get in a workout, get through the laundry and do all the food shopping for Christmas Eve and Christmas. We are going to be seeing a lot of friends this Christmas Eve and I’m quite excited!
The winner of the Cooked Giveaway is…
Danielle says:
December 20, 2013 at 4:15 pm (Edit)
I love to watch my family enjoy meals i create. It’s such a wonderful reward. I also find that my time in the kitchen really helps me relieve stress and relax! Great post!
Congrats!! I’ll email you today!
What are your holiday plans?
Traveling or hosting?
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
We just introduced shrimp too. After being a little lax with food introduction and not abiding by the “rules” I have no idea why that one took over two years haha.
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
It sounds like your Christmas has already started out wonderful! I am traveling this Christmas to stay at my parents’ house and my in-laws’ house. I am so excited!
Lauren B. says
Looks like a wonderful time with family! I (with hubby and baby) am headed to Atlanta today to spend the next two weeks with our families and friends. To say I’m excited is an understatement. Merry Christmas!!!
Jill says
Oh, your bread machine has a timer on it! That’s awesome! I love the sad dog photo in the car. 🙂
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
Love the picture of her trying shrimp for the first time! I think it’s great that you’re introducing her to more “exotic” foods when she’s young. She’ll be much more open-minded in regards to trying new things when she’s older!
Jodi says
Great family pix!! I especially love any make your own sandwich bar that ends with a bottle of wine!
Danielle @ Long May You Run says
Doh! Wrong Danielle! lol =)
Hailey looks so wonderfully happy. She’s going to be such a lovely young lady when she grows up!
Merry Christmas!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I’m the same way with social media when I’m with family. It’s so refreshing and like a breath of fresh air when I can just step away from the computer for a few days and not even think about it!
It’s just going to be the three of us this year for Christmas, which is kind of bittersweet. I’ll miss my family, but it’ll be nice to be just the three of us too.
Merry Christmas! xo
Ali says
When I get around my family, I forget the outside world exists too. My posts get more sporadic and I’m hardly on social media too. It’s a good thing though:)
Marjorie says
I love seeing your family pictures! We are hosting, so I am taking a break from cleaning to read your blog. Merry Christmas!!! 🙂
Parita @ myinnershakti says
We’re doing a Holiday Staycation this year. It’s weird not to be “home,” but we have some relaxing plans for the week so I’m definitely looking forward to that!
Hope y’all have an amazing week!
Verna says
I LOVED my bread machine! My MIL had one and she really liked hers so I registered for the same one when we got married. It was awesome. I loved it so much it fell apart. Haha! Oh well!
John J. says
What a wonderful pre Christmas Christmas with you, David, Hailey, and baby girl to be named -?. Your loving,joyful, fun sides make for great holiday cheer! More wonderful family memories made!
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
Aww, looks like such a great time! Looks like so much fun.
We’re the young ones in the family so we’re the travelers. We’ll be heading up to my best friend’s house after I get out of work at 1:00 and spending Christmas Eve with them. Then we’ll go to my aunt’s house on Christmas day (which is only about 15 minutes away) and then back to our friend’s house to watch the Doctor Who Christmas special (geeky, I know). Then the hour plus drive home and work in the morning! Busy busy!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Samantha says
Love Christmas and family time! We are doing some hosting and traving this year!! Should be interesting!!!
Which recipe did you use for the wheat bread? And what type of bread pan?? My pan makes the bread a funny shape!?