This is the first year that my family has staggered the holidays in such a perfect way that we’ve not only had a chance to see each other in various family settings (baking cookies with my sisters, niece and mom, celebrating Christmas at my dad’s with my sisters and niece, celebrating with M’s family, and finally, hosting Christmas at our house for the first time ever, with my sister Jess and Scott and my mom – sans grandparents who weren’t feeling well, though we did get a ‘virtual’ visit via Skype!), it’s felt busy-ish but not rushed, savored, not blurry, and with the right level of balance I am striving for right now. In a word, this holiday so far has been: perfect.
So I give you an almost wordless Wednesday, the holidays, in pictures. Cheers!
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Showering my niece in the girliest of girly clothes, and she *had* to model them for us. She is *such* a girl! <3
Celebrating Christmas bestie-style. A long time coming!
Moments of Isabel sprinkled throughout the weekend. And when she reaches for a hug and a kiss, it’s evident that she has a heart just like her namesake, my Nonna. SO loving (just like my sister Jen, too!) <3
Capturing some family shots. I LOVE the picture I captured of my dad gathering Isabel up into a giant ‘dad hug’ and kiss.
The holidays wouldn’t even be complete without some fitdates with besties and my ‘kindred’ Meaghan, and lots and lots of barre n9ne action!
Brunch is most definitely going to become a new tradition for Christmas! It was delish! Menu: mini bagels, cream cheese and lox, crackers and cheese, stuffed mushrooms, craisin/walnut/apple/spinach salad, potato leek soup, and for ‘dessert’ – greek yogurt with pear/apple/pomegranate seeds, walnuts, granola and flax (a yogurt ‘bar’!), and the best cinnamon rolls I have EVER had (thank you sis!!), topped off with prosecco/mimosas!
A few candids/bloopers always make it fun 
December 26, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Aw LOVE!! You captured the holiday perfectly — the pics just say it all: a LOVING time spent with family and friends. the way it should be
December 27, 2012 at 2:14 pm
It was one of the best holidays I can remember
December 26, 2012 at 4:16 pm
Sounds like your holidays were pretty damn close to perfect. Family and the best of friends, just the way it’s supposed to be!
Love you.
December 27, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Exactly, my friend! Loved every minute of it! XOXO
December 26, 2012 at 6:31 pm
love this so much! our Christmas holiday was definitely similar with great food, friends, and family. I LOVED being with my nieces and nephew! made my year.
I want to attend one of your brunches!
December 27, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Yours WAS so similar, I love that!! and would LOVE to do brunch together
my door is always open!!
December 26, 2012 at 7:52 pm
Great holiday pictures! Nothing beats good food with with family! Had to do some double takes of a few of the photos of you and Jess. Happy Holidays!
December 27, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Thank you!! You are the second person to say that we looked really alike in some pictures! How funny! (since I clearly never think we do hehe!)
December 26, 2012 at 9:15 pm
so glad you went with brunch! best idea ever! hehe.
December 27, 2012 at 2:16 pm
It IS the best idea ever!! I am so glad too!! And to think we were talking about that together in your car in Austin just a few weeks ago!! Miss you!
December 27, 2012 at 1:18 am
What a beautiful post. Christmas is such a special time isn’t it. Extra special for you this year being engaged to M. I went to my sisters for Christmas and it was a bit chaotic with three babies under two but lovely to hang out with family and not have to cook. Next year it’s my turn to host Christmas for the family.
December 27, 2012 at 2:16 pm
I am so glad you had a good, even though hectic, holiday, my friend! I am so excited for you to host next year! What fun!! XO
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December 27, 2012 at 8:18 am
Great pics! Looks like you had an awesome holiday my friend. I’m looking forward to a date to catch up soon.
XO
December 27, 2012 at 2:16 pm
It was fabulous!! I am TOO! We must start an email and pick a date! XO
December 27, 2012 at 11:44 pm
Love your pictures! They are so great and happiness and love just radiates off the page. Especially the pics of your niece. What a cutie. So glad that you had a wonderful holiday.
December 28, 2012 at 7:17 am
Looks like you had a lovely holiday!
December 28, 2012 at 12:34 pm
indeed
XO