Christmas

Christmas will soon be upon us, my friends.  There is a flurry of activity at our house as we get ready for the holiday.  What a joy to spend time with family ~ and this year, our daughter, Amy, from NY, and Bruno and the two grandchildren, Esmé and Felix will be coming south!   We don't see them very often, so this is a real treat.  And, of course, our oldest daughter, Jen, and Rob, and granddaughter Maddie, will also be here.  I couldn't ask for more!  

Our tree is decorated, most of the shopping is done, and gifts are wrapped.  The stockings are hung..... one for Esmé, one for Felix, one for Maddie, and one for Otis.  
That gives me time for cookie baking and a few more decorations here and there.  

This time of year I like to cozy up by a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the the pretty lights of our Christmas tree before the celebration.  

I hope all of you have a wonderful and joyous holiday!  And as we go about our activities and preparations, let us not forget the really true meaning of Christmas.  

  

What have I been doing?

Trying to stay warm, mostly.  It's been so cold the past few days I find myself (and Otis and Riley) sitting by a warm fire in cozy blankets.  I celebrated my birthday on Sunday and Galen bought me the most beautiful pink tulips!  They remind me of spring and I yearn for springtime weather and working in the garden.  

We had a bit of snow on the weekend and it was so pretty.  Big fat snowflakes falling from the sky.  It didn't last very long but it was nice to see.  My youngest daughter, Amy, and Bruno and Esmé (our NY family) are coming down this weekend to visit.  I can't wait to see my now five month old granddaughter, little Esmé!  I haven't held her since she was a baby.  We are all really looking forward to this.

So cleaning is on my list this week, along with some cooking and baking.  Isn't it funny how the house gets a good cleaning when visitors come.
Have a good week, everyone!

Holidays

With Thanksgiving behind us, we now look forward to the Christmas holiday, but before we move on to all the frenzy, I want to reflect on the wonderful Thanksgiving we had this year with our family in Pennsylvania and also the fact that Galen and I.....

held our granddaughter (from NY) for the very first time.  

What a joy she is and we just couldn't get enough of her....

our little Esmé Catalina.  

On Thanksgiving day we ate a big delicious dinner, played cards, took a walk and enjoyed catching up with family. 

Later in the week we enjoyed Lancaster City Market (mmmm, woopie pies and sticky buns!) and drove around the Amish countryside.  No matter how often I've seen them, I still love the horse and buggies.  

Amy, Bruno and Esmé at the downtown Lancaster square.  

It was good to see everyone and so hard to leave.  

Oh, and Otis and Riley enjoyed the trip... 

but they were glad to get home.