Just like everyone else, our December was filled with lots of activity. The first thing we did was help my mom celebrate her birthday by surprising her with an overnight trip to Williamsburg and shopping day at the outlet malls. We had a lot of fun hanging out and spending some time together.
We also had the annual Smithfield company Christmas party. They had an ice sculpture that was shaped like a Santa pig on a throne holding a Christmas tree, so that was pretty hilarious. They also hired caricaturists this year. We didn't win any large prizes (as usual) but we did win the centerpiece from our table, which was a tinsel tree with lights and flowers around the base.
We did send out Christmas cards this year (we skipped last year). I really like sending them, and I addressed them while watching Elf. It was a very "Christmas-y" night. :)
I also had the opportunity to go to New York on a business trip, which was so fun. Keira, John, and their baby went with me. Our business meeting went well, but the best part was being in the city at Christmas time. I ventured out on my own a few times to do some shopping, go see the tree, and just walk around the city with my Starbucks---It was honestly the most fun thing I did this Christmas. There was such a fun energy there and it made me hopeful that maybe one year Christmas will be magical to me again, because the last couple years have been a bit hard and it just hasn't been.
Ryan and Kelly came for Christmas this year--they drove all the way from Texas! We got to go to Christmas Town with them just two days before Christmas. Mom and Dad took us, and I'd never been. I definitely want to go back next year--it was a really fun time.
My biggest Christmas gift was an iMac! Matt surprised me with it. I've been wanting one for almost 4 years, and there are a lot of inside jokes and stories between the two of us about this computer, so let's just say it was a long time coming. I am loving playing on it, although I haven't gotten to spend much time on it yet.
We got to also see Matt's family after Christmas and had a nice (but short) visit in Lexington. I generally love the Christmas season, but somehow this year I am just flat out tired. One year we should just tell everyone we aren't going anywhere for Christmas and just stay home and watch movies.
Here's the picture version, in no particular order:
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| Matt with the pups in Lexington |
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| Our "official" Smithfield party photo |
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| I think I was more excited about snuggling Oakley than he was about snuggling me... |
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| Pope family Christmas from above |
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| Everyone wore Santa hats in honor of Grandma |
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| My iMac!!! |
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| Christmas morning breakfast casserole and orange rolls (it's a tradition!) |
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| Christmas Eve service at St. Lukes (Matt and I played music) |
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| Fun billboard at Christmas Town |
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| Escape from Pompeii...Christmas-style! |
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| Matt, lookin' all cute |
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| Dad took his first selfie with me on one of the rides :) |
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| <3 |
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| The whole clan |
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| The parents |
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| Manhattan from above |
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| It doesn't get much more "New York" than this |
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| Welcome to New York....it's been waiting for you! |
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| Our caricature...let's hope it's not accurate |
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| Santa pig ice sculpture |
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| Our winnings! |
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| Some of my work friends |
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| Our "unofficial" picture from the party |
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| At the resort in Williamsburg |
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| <3 |
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| At a pretty gazebo at the resort. |
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