I Can't Believe It's Over!

I know I say this every year, but I really can't believe it is over! As usual, we know how to stretch out a celebration...and our 2018 Christmas was no different.

It began with the Christmas Eve church service and a wonderful dinner with the Hollands. After Santa's visit to everyone's' houses, the gang all began gathering in Ocala and we were once again at the Hollands for a lovely day-unfortunately, I was once again enjoying myself so much that I never took one picture.

And then on Wednesday morning, my brother and sister-in-law were able to join us all and we had brunch and present opening at my house. I pretty much turned my camera over to my grand daughter, so what I have to share was all taken by her.

I am always asking for our traditional Nana and kids photo that I can send with my cards. Some years we get them taken as early as Thanksgiving and I am ahead of the game. This year that didn't work out so we did it after presents. I must say they were all pretty co-operative but since so many people are snapping shots as well, it is nearly impossible to get us all looking at the camera with smiles at the same time. This was as close as we came and I'm good with it!

Christmas Eve with the Hollands

Christmas morning at each of their houses.

And then the wonderful chaos at my house on Wednesday! I love these faces. And I just realized that there were also 2 more dogs here...guess they were camera shy!

And, it takes an act of congress to get a serious picture of me with my girls...this is only a representation of the ones taken to get to the final shot.

And lastly, two "willing" participants!
 

Everyone left yesterday and my house is too quiet! It has been such a busy month that I think I am going to embrace the quiet and try to catch up on Hallmark movies while I can. I don't take Christmas down until January 1 but you can be sure that I am already thinking of Valentine's Day decor! Stay tuned.

Bits and Pieces

Merry Christmas Eve! I am doing just a quick post to get some of my pictures uploaded. As happens so frequently these days, my best laid plans changed in the blink of an eye...and, oh what fun I had!

I headed to St. Pete for my daughter's Cookie Exchange but instead of just staying overnight, my grand daughters convinced me to spend the week! And, quite honestly, how could I turn down an invitation like that. I actually had to head out and buy some more clothes, but that was just a minor inconvenience. Lol I will say, I didn't take as many pictures as usual-I was too busy having fun!!

The weekend started with all 5 grand daughters here for our traditional Nutcracker fun. What wasn't traditional is that the four oldest each drove her own car from four different parts of the state. Not sure I'm ready for them to be growing up so quickly...but not much I can do to stop it! Lol

After the ballet, we headed downtown to eat but, this year more than any other, the restaurants were packed and I had 5 "hangry" girls so 90 minute waits were just not going to cut it. We ended up at Carrabas and had a lovely meal then just drove through downtown to see the lights and home for hot chocolate, a fire and "Miracle on 34th Street". It was actually a perfect day!

Kris' cookie exchange was wonderful and I got to catch up with so many old friends. Wish I had taken more pictures-especially of people-but I did get lots of the decor and cookies. Lol

I must say that this year's cookies were the best assortment I think I've ever had from an exchange-all keepers!

We did lots of fun things over the week-we went into Tampa one day and hit the International Mall and Hyde Park.

Another day, Kris and I met some of her friends at a Christmas Pop-Up for drinks before meeting the girls for dinner downtown and walking through Vinoy Park to see some of the lights. We met friends another night for a Happy Hour at the Melting Pot and did lots of last minute shopping which all, of course, necessitated lunches at some of our favorite St. Pete spots.

We had the hardest time prying ourselves away from this spot. There was a singer that reminded us all of Michael Buble and we really could have spent the whole night in this spot just listening to his beautiful voice!

I guess I was pretty prepared before I left so I am not as far behind as I thought I might be. Off to daughter #3's tonight for Christmas dinner and Christmas Eve candle light service. Then tomorrow, everyone will be getting into town at different times so daughter #3 is once again hosting the afternoon with appetizers. Everyone will spend the night at my house and when my brother and SIL arrive Wednesday morning, we will do presents and brunch at my house.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed holiday with lots of family and friends. Stay tuned.