December in a Nutshell - Part 1

So.......The month of December was a whirlwind of activity.  I loved every minute of it and recorded most activities with my camera.

Now that the new year has rolled in and things will be going back to their comfortable routine starting tomorrow, I thought this was as good a time as any to try to catch up on my blog and let you guys know what we've been up to.

Thanksgiving dinner was such a blessed event.  It was relaxing, spent with precious friends and co-workers.  Filled with thankfulness and good food. 

Kids Table

Ms. Dawne's Apple Pies

Blessed Friends

A few days after Thanksgiving, I received tragic news that my paternal grandfather had passed away.  My dad arranged a quick flight for me to return to Missouri and attend his funeral.  It was a blessing to see family I'd not seen in 10 years, even though it was under such sad circumstances.  

My Dad (far right) with his sisters and Mom.

Dad, Me & Grandma

Back in Portugal 7 days later brought very cold weather, but kids happy to see their Mom!

Justice 4 and Me

Me, Lib 8 and Trinity 6 (Yes...we wear coats, gloves and hats inside!)

J-Dude and Trin

New hair cut

Surprising my Aunt with a quick visit while I was Stateside

My Uncle Bill cooked me supper!

And it was delicious!

My cousin Steve and me

My cousin Danielle and me

Christmas Program at church

Michael preaching after program

Surprise Christmas packages from the States

happy kids

Decorating Christmas cookies

Blogger is driving me crazy......Part 2 of this post will follow very soon.

Happy New Year my Bloggy Friends!

Good-byes are Inevitable

Our guests left yesterday. It's sad around here.



Of all the time we've spent with guests over the last two years, Nanny and Papaw experienced by far, the worst weather Portugal has to offer.



That didn't stop us from doing things, although maybe it should have and we all wouldn't have ended up with head colds.



We finally got smart and found something to do indoors. The kids had been wanting to see the aquarium for some time now, so we loaded up and went to Porto.








Touching a starfish.



Our van seats seven people and there are seven people in my family, so we fill it up. When we have guests, we have to take 2 vehicles everywhere.

Brooklyn rode with me in our little "run around town" car while everyone else rode in the van. I thought she and I would have some great conversations.....but all she did was read. Guess I'm not as interesting as a book.


---------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, today, life is back to normal. After an incredibly busy December, I am looking forward to getting back to the usual. We have tons of things to catch up on. Including loosing the weight I gained during the holidays....ouch! I visited the gym this morning for the first time in a month. It was very ugly...but at the same time felt wonderful. I'm looking forward to getting everything "back on track".

Happy New Year everyone!

This is Ridiculous

When I can see my breath INSIDE my house. That's too cold.