We had a lovely Christmas :)

This year, unlike last year we had the opportunity to be around family and friends much more during the holidays.

Christmas Eve we had Herman's sister and her family over for a delicious pot roast if I do say so myself. For it being our first time ever making a pot roast, I'm rather proud of the results. We had a lovely meal and hung out for a little while until Riley got tired.

Herman and I have a mini tradition each year. We go to the Dollar Tree together each year with the goal of filling the other person's stocking, and have a $10 limit. We then open these stockings on Christmas eve. Herman did really well with mine, as the store has plenty of nice smelling things to enjoy. Herman got a mix of useful things, as well as practical jokes.

On Christmas morning we opened our presents together and delighted over the spoils.

From Mom: A picture of a place Herman loves, and a beautiful cross for me

From Lu and Jim: Delicious smelling bath luxuries, for both of us!

Even the cats got presents

My Elf Slippers

Gift Cards to our favorite places. Not shown are Tim's which came later

From Grandma and Grandpa - Cookbooks to inspire new dishes
My husband loves me! He got me Mamma Mia, after telling me it was sold outHerman enjoying his obsession - I got him the brand new Munchkin games.

We then headed out to Herman's sisters for a Christmas brunch and more presents. It was so cute seeing Riley open his gifts and play with them. Herman was able to break in one of his munchkin gifts from me, and I got baby play time! :)

The blocks we got him... how tall can we make it???
Herman and Riley playing with the Naked Sheep - note the pure joy on their faces
Riley goes to school

After a quick trip home to make a salad, we were off to the Shanks, some very dear friends of the family. There we enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner, complete with every holiday food imaginable. After dinner we played Taboo, and all had a blast.



We then returned home for a quiet evening alone.

The next night was dinner at another dear family friend's house and we enjoyed dinner and great conversation.

So all in all, a wonderful holiday for both of us, and we hope your holiday was filled with love, laughter and joy.

xoxo
The Hartmans