Christmas on the East Coast

I know I'm really late writing this blog, but our trip home was such a whirlwind of a 2 weeks, that it has taken me some time to process my thoughts, adjust to being back in Bologna, and get over the jet lag.  In 2 weeks, David and I traveled up and down the East Coast- from Alabama to Delaware to New York, seeing friends and family along the way. 

We arrived in Delaware late on the evening of the 21st.  Due to the jet lag, we woke up super early the next day.  David looked at me, and I knew he was thinking the same thing I was....IHOP!  We had been dying for a hearty American breakfast.  So before church we feasted on eggs, bacon, pancakes, and coffee!  Real coffee! 

We celebrated Christmas with my family on the 23rd.  It was so nice to be at home with my family, with the tree lit, the fireplace going, and my mom's Christmas music playing non-stop.  We enjoyed exchanging gifts, mom's cooking, playing board games, and laughing a lot!  Our favorite games this year were Bohnanza (or "Beans"), Ticket to Ride, and Guillotine. 

On the 24th we flew to Gulf Shores, Alabama to visit David's grandparents.  Christmas on the beach!  We had a very nice, relaxing time with them.  Plus I had some amazing fried shrimp and hush puppies!  We went to a restaurant recommended by a friend of a friend, called King Neptune's.  We would never have stopped there without the recommendation, because the place looked like a tiny little shack on the outside.  It was much nicer on the inside, and it was packed, so it was obviously a local gem. 

Soon it was time to return to Delaware to see my aunts and cousins visiting from North Carolina.  They come every year, and it's always the highlight of Christmas for me.  We have a great time every year watching movies, playing board games, and going out to eat.  This year we all went to the Melting pot!  We also had to get our annual hot chocolate at the mall.

We spent New Year's Eve with friends from church.  David and I are blessed to have such an amazing church family. It was fun counting down to midnight with Jamie, Mandy, and Maryn (although she refused to count!).  I was impressed the twins made it to 11:30 and woke up very pleasant the next morning!

Our next, and final stop was in New York to see the one little guy I have been dying to see the most...

Vasilly

What a fluff-ball!  We had a great time seeing Eric and Becky and hearing about their wedding plans!!  Eric also helped me pick out a new laptop, for which I am extremely grateful. 

On top of everything else, we got to see some snow before we left. 

 





So 2013 ended on a high note.  Wishing everyone a blessed 2014!