Snow, Mistletoe & Maui Christmas

Ahh...what a fun week! I'm still recovering from wedding celebrations, good times with old friends, Christmas brunch, Christmas dinner, Christmas dinner again, family and sitting on Santa's lap! The photo above is our celebratory overly-priced drink in the airport waiting to go home to snowy Seattle. The first night, my Mom & Doug picked me up and we headed out to Yelm to spend a little time together and drop off some of heavy luggage I was dragging around. Mike headed out to meet up with all of the boys - they were at Brett's bachelor party in Auburn. I was VERY excited to see snow as we trekked our way out to Yelm. My Mom laughed at me wearing thin yoga pants and flip flops off the plane - it was all I had!! Thankfully, she quickly

 bundled me up in sweaters and socks. I kind of felt like Alfie's little brother in "A Christmas Story" - thanks for watching out for me, Mom!! 

The next day, I ran around with the girls from the wedding to get mani/pedis in the Harbor. I then watched Kate go from "girl who has been running errands, is crazy-busy and is late for her own wedding rehearsal" to "I'm smokin hot and still have five minutes to spare" in about 10 minutes flat. Yep, atta girl. It was a really fun night, and we had the rehearsal dinner at this cute little restaurant on Broadway in the Theatre District of Tacoma - Over the Moon Cafe. The wedding was the next day - filled with snow! The gorgeous candle-lit church twinkled as we all walked down the aisle. The reception was at McCormick Woods Golf Course and was decorated with red holiday ornaments in hurricane vases complimented with fresh garlands and glittery pine cones. 
That weekend, I had Christmas brunch with my family and was excited to discover "Santa" brought me a Kitchen Aid Mixer!! Actually, all of the gifts I received this year were very generous and thoughtful - I appreciated and loved them all. I felt terrible because many of my gifts I bought online and had them shipped directly to the recipients - unfortunately due to the snow, almost every one of them didn't make it!! Good job, Amber. We then headed out to Yelm to a wonderful and delicious Christmas dinner. My Mom slaved away making this gorgeous dinner - complete with baked corn and sweet potatoes with maple pecan sauce. YUM! Meanwhile, Mike went with the boys to the Seahawks game - his first and only game in the stadium this season. Before we knew it, it was time to pack and head home to Maui. Grammie braved the snow and ice and crack of dawn hours to deposit us safely at the airport - way to go Grammie! The trip was so much fun and exactly what I needed. It was rushed and was a bit stressful trying to see everyone, but for the most part, I think everyone understands. Christmas in Maui was simple and sweet - filled with profiteroles (thanks to Will) and Christmas leis made of various local berries. Ruthie, Will, Mike and I enjoyed Opah and Steak for my first Surf 'n Turf Christmas dinner. We then played cards until my eyelids couldn't stay open and headed off to bed. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas with warmth, laughter and joy.