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.
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