It goes without saying that we come from a very large family and not a month goes by without celebrations of every kind. For obvious reasons, we can't make most of the parties... though it really is one of the few things that we really do miss living so far away. Not surprising then that on this trip, we've been invited to 7 parties ~ though we are only able to make a few.
On Sunday before we drove up to my parent's house, we went to our a Hanukkah brunch at our cousins Archie and Melissa's house. It was a huge shindig with more food and gifts for the kids than I have ever seen. It was awesome. The spread was amazing... bagels, lox, quiches, fruit salad, french toast, the works!
After much food was consumed, the kids opened up their hoards of presents. Our girls scored some serious fun things... paint your own canvases, paint your own mugs, clothes, slippers, electric toothbrushes that play songs, books, and more. I even managed to leave with a Starbucks gift card and chocolate rugelach. Yippee.
A party wouldn't be complete without cakeage... Sheridan had her own personalized cake as did her cousin Andrew who is turning 6 next week. We sang happy birthday, the kids devoured the cake, and then it was off for a quick cousin photo before we hit the road for the 7 hour drive to my folks house.
Thank goodness for mini vans with DVD players - it kept the girls occupied the entire drive. It was an easy, albeit long drive, though I got a bit pooped around the 5 hour mark and had to pull into a rest area to close my eyes for 40 minutes or so. It was definitely needed as I was crocked and needed to be alert while I was driving in the rain.
We missed lighting the Hanukkah candles on the first night, though we made up for it with both of the girls lighting their own on the second.
And for those of you worried about Matt and how he's doing without us... take a look below. He too was invited to a Hanukkah party and was able to light the candles on the first night at our friend's house in Chennai. While he's definitely missing us, he and Libby are keeping each other company.
15 comments:
We have the same Happy Hannukah banner :).
Sounds like the kids cleaned up, they must be loving being back in the States.
Have a great holiday and visit, and I hope Matt has a good holiday too back in Chennai.
Lovely. My friend Susan and her family would include me in their Hanukkah lighting ceremony. I was very honored to be included in their celebration. It was lovely and sacred, done in darkness.
It looks like you had a fun time at the brunch and the girls are so cute. But honestly, I have to mention that your husband is SO CUTE!!!!! What a smile. What a wonderful, friendly looking person. I'm sorry that you are apart for the holiday but absence makes the heart grow fonder.
- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
Lovely. My friend Susan and her family would include me in their Hanukkah lighting ceremony. I was very honored to be included in their celebration. It was lovely and sacred, done in darkness.
It looks like you had a fun time at the brunch and the girls are so cute. But honestly, I have to mention that your husband is SO CUTE!!!!! What a smile. What a wonderful, friendly looking person. I'm sorry that you are apart for the holiday but absence makes the heart grow fonder.
- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
It is sad that your family is apart but I am glad that you are enjoying some of the holiday festivities.
Glad that your trip is filled with family and fun...that's the good stuff that memories are made of. Hope you continue to have a wonderful time.
I wasn't worried about him--the guys always seem to get by! :) I have to say, I am incredibly impressed with you for being pregnant and taking your 2 young children half way AROUND THE WORLD by yourself! Seriously, that is amazing! You are incredible! :) Happy Chanukah!
~Christy
I am amazed at all you are doing. AND you are pregnant! Be safe...and have fun with the rest of your visiting and holiday...
Your family should pose for magazine covers. Looks like you had an awesome holiday! The sprad sounds fantastic!
Those are wonderful pictures, thanks for sharing them. :)
I loved the pictures! Those holiday family parties are the best.
Happy Hannukah Jill!
Such a gorgeous family!
Hope you are having a great time and enjoying your family while here in Cali.
Happy Hanukkah!
Mercede had a Martha Stewart magazine out the other day and I loved the decor that was in their for Hanukkah. All blue, white and silver and so many cute ideas. I wish I still worked with a man so we could work on those decorations. He passed a few years ago and was one of my favorite people I have ever got to assist. I did have to call his family often to ask what to do, because I didn't know anything about the holiday. Course that was back before I had internet!! lol How did I ever live?
wonderful photo's and hope you are enjoying your holiday home!
Happy Hanukkah! I am so happy you get to be home for a while! & as usual, your energy amazes me! Take care of yourself!
Happy New Year!
Looks like all are having fun:)
Happy Hannukah!! I'm happy you all got to spend some time with your family over the holidays though it must be difficult to be away from Matt.
Looks like you had fun in all your travels!!
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