Family Photos: Our Glorious Holiday Staycation

Welcome back, friends!!!!! It’s sooooo nice to finally see you again!! How are YOU?? I’m slowly (very slowly…emphasis on the word very!) getting back into the work groove after our holiday staycation, and if I had to give a capsule review of these last two weeks, I could sum things up in just three words: It. Was. Glorious.

Simply glorious.

In fact, that’s the exact word my mom used on Facebook last week! Have I ever told you that she has a history of getting, umm, a bit antsy over long breaks from work? Her limit is usually the span of one long week, like three days off for Labor Day, and by the afternoon of the last day, she’s just wandering around the house puttering. It’s cute, of course, but not too fun for her.

But, I’m happy to say that she thoroughly enjoyed all 16 days off our holiday staycation! In fact, we ALL did, which might be why it’s been so difficult this week to get back to our “regular lives.” In case you need a bit more proof of our fun and lounging existence lately, here is some classic photo evidence…

I kicked off the vacation with a haircut — same classic style, of course! Why change a good thing if it’s worked for me for 30+ years? I mean, really, can you blame me?

We also went out for lunch! It’s become a tradition that I take my mom out to lunch at the start of our vacations; it’s a good way to kick off the fun and relaxation that awaits us!

Of course I have to include an adorable photo of Ms. Bear herself!! Ever since I wrote about Bert and Ernie in September, we’ve been watching YouTube videos of the awesome duo. These stuffed animals found their forever home on her bed.

As for the NCIS gear?? Well, we’ve been watching an obscene amount of Gibbs and company over this break, so those gifts for her just seemed fitting.

These little rascals got into their presents on Christmas morning, looooong before we were even ready to open gifts! They managed to leave every other present wrapped and untouched, so apparently, they were on a mission — and they succeeded!

Expect a longer post on this, but Janelle got me two inspirational illustrations — one Wonder Woman and one Alice In Wonderland. They’re prominently displayed in my bedroom!

We enjoyed a Sunday afternoon of cookies and games with friends!! There’s something so comforting and wonderful about the kind of friendship that spans decades and it feels like no time has passed at all..

And finally, apparently, this is the face of someone who had a happy and relaxing Christmas!! I haven’t seen this face on a holiday in 15 years, and IT FELT NICE. Missing my father, of course, but I went to bed feeling loved and content that tonight…

So, friends, I’d love to hear from you now!!! How has your 2019 been so far? What have you been up to lately? Did you do anything exciting over the holidays? Or maybe stayed close to home and partake in a holiday staycation of your own? You know I think the latter is equally thrilling! Happy New Year!! May 2019 be wonderful and magical and everything else you want it to be!! xoxo

P.S. Remember our spring vacation?