Oh the holidays were such a fun time this year (well every year - Christmas is my favorite holiday/time of the year!). This year was extra special cause Pendleton was a part of it! First off coming from vacation, we had a great thanksgiving with our families and started getting ready for the rest of the holiday season.
We had so much fun spending quality time with our family and friends! It was one of the best ones by far (doing it side by side with my amazing husband!). The season kicked off with us getting our decorations up (if you know me well, you know I love chrisms decor!) and getting our tree (we got our trees with our friends Jenny and Tav and even though it was cold, it was fun!). We got our holiday pictures (that our amazing friend Claudia slays every year - it’s becoming a tradition starting last year!) She takes us to the tree farm close to our house and takes some photos of us that we use for our Christmas card (see one of our favorites out of the shoot). Then mid December, we threw our annual themed Christmas party - this year was 80′s theme and it was another successful party this year - even more so that both our parents could join in on the fun too. And don’t worry, Pendleton also joined the fun (see picture above him rocking his jean jacket.)
Then the next big thing was that we hosted Christmas Eve at our house (2nd annual - started this tradition last year with our families). We were just so happy that both our families could make it and we had such a fun night with everyone. We made lots of food and had lots of appetizers and dessert for the night. My mom cooked a dish and brought it over and Stephen’s parents brought appetizers! We all sat down and had a great dinner together and we are just so lucky that our families get along so well. Then our families exchanged gifts and then was time for dessert and starting our tradition of what we call “dollar store gift exchange!” We each were told to buy 1 item from the dollar store and bring it to our house (wrapped). Stephen’s mom came up with this and honestly, best idea ever!! We all put the gifts in the middle of the family room and started with the oldest and went to the youngest (I think that was the order!). Then we counted till 3 and opened all at once! It was pure chaos as 13 people open gifts at the same time! But we all laughed and it made for a good conversation as a few people traded gifts! We are for sure doing this again next year (maybe give out names to specifically buy for - but we’ll see!). Then as people trickled out and we had only Stephen’s parents, grandma, and youngest sister still left, we played a few rounds of pictionary (I suck at it was terrible!).
We got up early on Christmas morning with Pendleton and opened gifts - Stephen and I are so lucky to have such amazing friends who showered us once again with amazing gifts!! So grateful! Then we gave Pendleton his gifts (I made have gone a little overboard this year...woops! ;)) He did love lots of toys and treats we gave him so I guess it was worth it!. Then we went to my parents house where we exchanged gifts, and it was seriously to grateful once again of all the amazing things we got. A few things worth mentioning: My brother gave us a FURBO - the dog cameral that you can shoot treats out of for your pet. It has worked amazing so far! My parents got us a video camera doorbell (still need to instal) but really excited about it! Next up we went to my mom’s best friend’s house for the annual Christmas brunch - which no supposed was amazing once again! Stephen and I (along with my entire family and all our friends who go to this brunch) look forward to this annual brunch every year! Our friends were so sweet, some really went the extra mile and got Pendleton something too! Awww:) Then after that, we headed toward home to pick up Pendleton and went to Stephen’s families house. Dinner was spectacular, and a great time once again with his family! His family spoiled as well with so many great things! They got us a Ninja Insta Pot and gave us money as well - so so sweet! Again, so very grateful. We got our stockings and we were able to give our gift from all of us (Stephen, his sisters, and I) to his parents and they loved it. And lastly, we did our Christmas exchange (between Stephen and I, his 4 sisters, and one of his sisters boyfriends) we each pick a name to buy a gift for - that way we don’t have to buy everyone a gift! Then after dinner, it was time to do Pictionary (round 2 - just with everyone this time!) the only different was it was a dirtier version which was so funny (I still sucked, but at least it was funny!).
In between Christmas and New Year's Eve I took that time off and stephen worked from home. One evening we went to Peacock Lane (one of my favorite things to do during the holidays!) and another night during the following weekend, we went to Christmas in the Garden with my best friend Alice and her husband Jaoquin (See picture above of the tunnel of lights) . Super fun, but rained like so insane - so we enjoyed while it was dry and even when it rained a bit (we hid out at the ice rink since it was indoors) and left once it was raining hard. Cant wait to go next year - for our 3rd time! It’s becoming a tradition for us (just with another bestie and her hubby by our side). We always start in Mt. Angel for German food and we did that again this year and it did not disappoint!
New Year’s Eve was great! We went to dinner with both our parents and my brother at BWW here in Vancouver and then we went to Illani for casino fun (see picture above) and then ended the night back at home after new year with Pendleton!
It was been an amazing 2018 holiday season, one I will never forget! Until next year Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
