1st Christmas in our new home

The Christmas season usually comes and goes so quickly we don’t get to enjoy it. This year we took time off from work to celebrate the holidays and recharge. Having my family in town is simply the best! Being able to go to sleep knowing they will be around when I wake up brings a smile to my face. Yes I won’t lie, knowing that I am going to eat a Filipino breakfast of pandesal, fried rice with garlic, pork tocino and eggs is nice too.

Christmas Eve was pleasant, we attended mass at a local church.
Back at home we had a scrumptious feast. My mom was cooking all day and night while Ronnie, Kel and I were supervising. It’s what we do best; you don’t want to be in the kitchen with my mom. 

Christmas was relaxing. You know you are an adult when you sleep in on Christmas morning, you need coffee to open presents, Christmas morning becomes all about the dogs, you don’t get toys nowadays you get kitchen gadgets and socks.
Opening presents is still one of the best feelings in the world...Wrigs seems to think so too.

Its official, my husband thinks I need to work out! Just kidding, but I did get a fancy GPS sports watch and bright pink running shoes for Christmas. So after everyone was full of caffeine and smiles, we headed out the door on a family walk. 

The sun was shining so we ventured out on the course. It felt good to stretch our legs out and slim our bellies. The dogs seemed to have a great time sniffing and walking off some lbs too. 

Christmas morning selfie with my mom

What a wonderful few weeks we have had. Another fun-filled holiday season in the books.

That’s a wrap folks!

Tis' the season

These past few weeks with my mom and Ronnie in town have been wonderful. 

Everyone has been laughing, lounging and EATING! 

My mom has been baking and cooking non-stop. 

Here's a picture of the red velvet white chocolate cheesecake she made our Christmas Eve dinner.

So proud.

Making classic cinnamon roll wreaths from Sooze's recipe.

We sure love her cooking but we have gained a few pounds...Callie too. 

Dinner and the theatre

Presents are great but experiences gifts are even better.

Kelly invited his mom and I invited my mom & Ronnie out for an evening together.

First stop, Barcelona Wine Bar in Atlanta. It is nestled in Inman Park and offers Spanish tapas and entrees. 

We opted for a few tapas and a big heap of paella. Muy delicioso! 

After dinner, we headed to the Fox Theater to watch the Atlanta Ballet Nutcracker. I've never been to the Fox and it was a great venue. The show was magical with the dancing dolls, sneaky mice and fabulous orchestra.  

A perfect holiday evening with our amazing parents.

Unforgettable.

Nyquist Family Christmas

The Nyquist Family got together the weekend before Christmas for an early celebration. A loving family, yummy h'orderves, and laughs all day. We are so lucky that we all live in the same state and can get together often.

 

The crew gathered around to open all their presents. Everyone was spoiled and received great gifts!

The fun continued at the Donges household. 

Ben and Dave braved the frigid temperature to jump in the new pool. 

The first polar bear plunge of many.

PlungeFest- a Donges/Nyquist tradition.

5th Birthday Party!

Our four-legged had a very special 5th birthday. Her Lola and Lolo were in town. 

Callie had a turkey burger and some sweet potatoes for dinner.

 "Happy Birthday to you"

 Now you see it...

 Now you don't..

Afterwards, she opened her gift

Feeling sleepy after her birthday dinner

May you have many more years with us!