Christmas Break 2016!

I cannot believe that it is already 2017! With my first year teaching over half way over, time truly goes by so fast. School got out on December 16th, and I decided to stick around Atlanta before going home for the holidays. That Saturday the family met at Zinburger for lunch before our annual shopping day at Lenox Mall. Mom took the kids to ride the infamous Pink Pig, while the rest of us did some last minute shopping.

That night I went to a Tacky Christmas party with some of my friends and ended the night at MJQ. Sunday I hosted my annual Christmas Swap with my girlfriends. Each person brought 3 of their same favorite thing to give to someone else. By the end of the swap, each girl left with 3 different favorite things! Sunday night I also hosted a cookie swap with the Sigma Chi boys. My Smore Bars were a huge hit!

Benji's Tacky Christmas Party

 They might have taken more than one attempt...

On Wednesday, I headed to Athens for the break. We surprised Sam with a birthday celebration with both sides of the family. Mom made chili and a taco salad bar. Thursday we celebrated Sam's birthday with his friends at their house. Sarah prepared all of Sam's favorite drinks- Transfusions, Old Fashions, and wine! It was so much fun catching up with everyone in town. Friday morning we made Christmas cookies with Amy, Will, and Caroling and then mom hosted her annual Christmas party with the Leonards, Guadagnos, and Averys. We ended the night singing Christmas carols by the piano!

Sweet Caroline!

Birthday Boy

Santa's Little Helper! 

Christmas Eve we spent preparing for the big day and running last minute errands. We had our traditional soup dinner at Sarah's house with the Pittard's. She made delicious homemade baked potato soup. After that mom, dad, and I went to Athens First United Methodist Church for the Candlelight Service. Christmas morning Ben, Katie, the kids, Sarah, and Sam all headed over for presents. Some of my main gifts were an Apple Watch, a new TV for my apartment, and clothes. Christmas night Ben and Katie had us over for our annual Christmas Dinner. I made risotto and Ben made steaks. We ended the night working on puzzles and playing games- including Speak Out! So hilarious.

Monday after Christmas Sarah, Mom, Grandma Val, and I headed to Kentucky to visit Mammer Jane and Bumpa and to drop Grandma Val off at Uncle Stevie's. It was so nice relaxing and spending time with family.

While we were there, we found out our childhood dog was sick and was quickly declining. Mom, Sarah, and I decided to start driving back to Georgia late Wednesday night to get back to see her. We stopped in Knoxville for the night and woke up early to finish the trip. We got back just in time to say our goodbyes to our sweet Millie girl before having to put her down. We were so grateful she held on for our return and that she was able to go peacefully. She is greatly missed everyday!!

I headed back to Atlanta Friday morning to get ready for my trip to Dallas to visit Bianca and Caroline for New Years Eve! It was the perfect getaway trip to close 2016! Friday night we went to dinner and a rooftop bar in Deep Ellum. Saturday we spent the day watching football at my favorite place- Katy Trail Ice House! Then we got ready and went to our NYE event in lower Greenville.

While there were some high highs and low lows of 2016, we welcomed 2017with open arms! Bring on a new year of adventure, change, and excitement!