Hip Hip Hooray for Christmas Vacation!

Wow....what a wonderful week and a half off from work to enjoy the holidays! I was off work from December 23rd until yesterday, January 3rd. Spending time with family and friends is priceless, especially this time of year.

Christmas

Christmas Eve, Will, me, and my sister went out to my Dad and Step-mom's farm outside of Camden for lunch. Dad cooked a wonderful meal (baked ziti and Caesar salad)! We spent time enjoying each other's company and opening gifts. Myself and Baby T lucked out with gift cards to Bumble Boutique and Bee Maternal, local baby and maternity boutiques. I have already been shopping for a few maternity pieces. Christmas Eve evening, Will and I went to church with his family. The service was lovely and it was great spending time with them. After church, we went over to some dear family friends' house for an annual drop-in. We exchanged gifts and enjoyed the evening with them. When we got home, Will and I exchanged gifts from each other, this seems to be the tradition we have started, because Christmas Day is so hectic.

Christmas Eve after church- 14 week baby bump!

Christmas morning, we got up and went over to my parent's house for breakfast and gift exchange. We had a lovely time with them, as always. Next, we moved on to Will's parents to open gifts with them. More fun and enjoyment was had. We went out to Chapin to Will's aunt and uncle's house to have Christmas lunch. Will's grandparents and extended family were there, so it was nice to see everyone. Finally, we got in the car to make the trek to Greenville to see my Mom's side of the family. We had dinner at my cousin's house and then went to spend the night at my aunt and uncle's. We made the trip home the next day- exhausted, but blessed!

Christmas Lunch in Chapin

Annual Cousin picture- my mom's side of the family...next year there will be one more kiddo!

New Year's

Will and I spent New Year's Eve, as we usually do, with our dear friends. It was a low-key evening with lots of laughs, quality time, and a little champagne (or sparkling grape juice in my case). We always have the best time when we all get together. We rang in the new year then headed back home to bed. I was surprised that I even made it to midnight, my bed time these days has been closer to 9:30 or 10. New Year's day, we went out to our friend's hunt club where they always cook up a big feast of pork chops, rice, black eyed peas, and collards. Everyone just hangs out around the big fire place and celebrates the new year. Happy 2012!!

New Year's Eve