Holiday Reflections

Exactly four years ago tomorrow, I drove my little Toyota Tacoma truck packed with all my possessions across the country from AZ to PA to start grad school. I remember it being really cold and I was so nervous yet confident that I was making a good decision. Obviously those Masters degree plans have changed, but I am still forever grateful for how things have worked out and that I actually have made a home here.

Every Christmas that I can't spend in AZ with my family is a tough one. I always feel like I'm missing quality times with them. However, now that I'm a married woman and I have another family to think of, I have been slowly trying to adjust to making the holidays here feel more like the ones I grew up with. I can truly say that this year was a really great step in that direction. I felt like everything came together and we had a very special day. John and I pulled off a yummy Christmas day dinner for 8 and then had more of his relatives over for dessert. Our first Christmas in the new home was definitely a memorable one. I hope to continue to have more like them in the future.

Here are a few photos to help recap the day...

Me opening presents my parents sent from AZ.

Yes the dog gets presents and yes, I act excited about giving them to him.

John and his adorable grandparents.

Chris, Stacey and Beanie.

Husband and I.

Cousin Amanda playing with our neice Victoria and her Aquadoodle, the present we gave her

(which she loves I might add).