Happy Birthday Aiden!!!

I had given a call to my dad, Mike, to check up on him. He was doing well and was out for lunch with my sister and her kids. So, I got to wish Aiden, who is now three, a Happy Birthday!!! Also talked with Summer and Tate who told me about their Christmas.

Back to Work

Only for a day! Now, I'm back on vacation. But this time at the house.

Back in Town

Got back in town by mid afternoon. Rested until I heard from my Dad, Steve, who was in town on his way back to SC. We had not eaten so we met him at the Cracker Barrel for some dinner. Then, headed back to our place to chat for a little while. Got to give me him his Christmas gift to open!!!

The Day After Christmas

We ended up sleeping in this day! I think I was finally worn out from all our activities. Had a late brunch. Portia made pumpkin pancakes and a root beer syrup. Took a afternoon nap. Woke up and chatted with Rachel and Gordon who were back in town. Headed out to dinner at Tomato Head with everyone. It was a neat and trendy little place which happen to be located very close to the theater we planned on going to that night. Gene and Portia came with us to see a movie, Did you hear about the Morgans ?. This movie had Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker. We all agreed that it started out very slow, but it later picked up with some funny parts. Our movie rating: Not a great movie, but okay! Went back to the house, chatted some more around the fireplace before heading to bed.

Merry Christmas

Woke up Christmas morning to see that Santa had left a boot print in the fireplace! Portia and Gene made us breakfast - sausage, eggs and biscuits. After breakfast, we started getting ready to go over to Leisa's house. Got to visit and exchange gifts with Leisa, Steve, Elisabeth and Eli for a little while. Then, we headed back over to Gene and Portia's place. Exchanged some more gifts too. Portia had made some yummy appetizers, meatballs and spinach/artichoke cheese dip, for us to snack on while she prepared for dinner. Sipped on some red wine and then a crantini especially made by Portia. Leisa and Eli came over briefly. Of course during this time, Michael showed Leisa some old videos of Elisabeth that were too funny. By early evening, I had made all my phone calls to my family. Not long after that our dinner was ready - Chilean sea bass, grilled vegetables and homemade mashed potatoes. Yummy! With full tummy's, we settled down on the sofa to watch a movie as the day came to an end.

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Christmas Eve

We got up to get ready to board the dogs. They were so excited, so they must of known they were going for a car ride! Got the car all loaded and were ready to get on the road, but the husband was missing his wallet. After we tracked it down, which was in his office at work, we were finally able to get on the road to visit with some of my family. Picked up Chick-fil-a to eat with Mike while we chatted with him for awhile. Then, we headed to visit Chris who had my niece and two nephews. They were all so excited! The kids had gifts for us that they wanted up to open, which was very cute. They (my niece) made her uncle a keychain and her aunt a bracelet. We let the kids open the gifts from us and of course that meant we had to play. So out came the play dough!!!! After we finished we headed to my sister's place to drop off her gifts and to visit with her before heading out. She gave us lots of pictures of the kids which I can't wait to put in frames. About 4pm we were finally on the road for our final destination. The weather was really windy and the roads were slick from the rain. Once we got out of the wind gusts the ride was a lot less stressful. Made it to Knoxville around 8:30pm and were ready to eat some dinner. Portia had a roast with potatoes and carrots. Yummy! Later on Elisabeth arrived from her event and we watch old videos of Elisabeth and Michael. Portia also made some yummy pomegranate cosmopolitan - strong but good. Only needed one of these and I was going to sleep well!

Elisabeth's MTSU Graduation

Friday afternoon we headed to Murfreeboro, TN for Elisabeth's college graduation from Middle Tennessee State University. Upon arrival and changing for dinner, we headed to Elisabeth's place to check it out and take a few pictures before going to dinner. We had dinner at B. McNeels with some of her family and friends. Afterwards, we headed back to the sports bar in the hotel for a few more drinks and festivities! I headed to bed by midnight, but others were up much later. Graduation was a 9am in the morning. Parking was insane and the weather was cold and rainy, but we made it in time. Ceremony lasted about two hours and then we got to see the new graduate!!!!! Took a few family photos before she had to head to Atlanta for a wedding.