Christmas- eastcoast style!

It's kind of hard to believe that the Christmas season is coming to a close, but since it is, I'd like to relect on the month of December, since it's been such a crazy yet fun-filled one. Christmas for us started at Thanksgiving. The deorations and baking (yes it's true, I put my tree up that early!) and general festivities began and didn't stop throughout the month. I got the wonderful oppurtunity to go down to the Washington DC temple with some ladies in my ward and we made a party of it- complete with hot chocolate and Milano cookies in our jammies. The weekend after that, I went up north and enjoyed seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall with my mom, which was a last minute gift from a friend of mine. The following weekend, I went back up to New York (THIS one was planned) to see Pygmalion on Broadway starring Claire Danes. I was sitting in the front row and had a great view of the actress I'd watched since "My So-Called Life" and "Romeo and Juliet", so it was a particularly thrilling event for me! And the weekend after that began the Christmas celebration with my dad hosting a dinner (homecooked chinese food courtesy of in-law cousins!) for the family. My mom came in on a train that night. Sunday was relaxing and enjoyable. My aunt Sherma was the host this night, complete with dinner, presents, the kids dressing up as the nativity, and lots (I do mean LOTS!) of pictures! Christmas Eve, we shopped and finished up Christmas details, then went to a midnight service at a very old church here in Lancaster. Devan didn't get into town until late that night. We did the traditional Christmas morning santa exchange (this year was lean, but we still seemed to have plenty to open). After a breakfast of french toast (found out that mom actually doesn't like french toast-is that normal?) we rolled up our sleeves and began baking....and baking...and baking! We baked for hours! Two types of fudge, three types of cookies, and a few dozen fluffy rolls later, we were done, and went on a walk to enjoy the warm weather. We then delieverd our plates of goodies to family and friends in the area. I've found that the most memorable and fun things are the ones that we do one the spur of the moment. Lots of the things that happened this season were unexpected- and those are the ones I'm going to remember forever! Alas, we didn't have a white Christmas (thanks to the 40 degree weather) but never fear, we'll see that snow sometime in January and then we'll wish that it was spring. I think I'm just going to have to accept that here in PA, it rains on Christmas. I don't think I've ever heard that song..."I'm Dreaming of a Wet Christmas"? Nope, it doesn't work. I hope everyone reading this had a wonderful, unforgetable Christmas!

This is funny!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1544193350

Thanks for the idea, Marianne!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REES!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR BOY!!!!! He's four years old today. Check out that cake! And those teeth! I guess he's got a few more years before all he'll want for Christmas is his two front teeth! Wish Aunt Heather could be there!

New Niecie!

It's true! Amanda FINALLY had her baby! Welcome Addison Grace Boyd! I'm so excited!

Day Tripping To Radio City

This past weekend my mom and I got the oppurtunity to go see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The tickets were given as a gift by a friend of mine and I could not be more grateful to her. Mom and I took in the sights of New York at Christmas time (and of course took some pics along the way). It's crazy in that city right now! Trying to get from one place to the next is like getting caught up in an ocean current. We just grabbed each other's hand and hoped we'd make it in one piece! What a wonderful Christmas adventure!


Me trying to dodge people in front of Radio City


Showing off the new bag I bought inside Radio City Music Hall


There they are! The sets were amazing and so was the dancing.


Yes, I think I could pass as a Rockette.


Out to conquer the big bad city!


In front of St. Patrick's Cathedral. You can see how many people were pouring in and of this beautiful building, making it hard for those who were trying to pray.


Mom takes a pose as well.


The tree at Rockafeller Plaza


Pretty mom is trying not to get knocked over by all the people in front of Radio City Music Hall.

Thanksgiving

Dad and Uncle Mark doing the typical Thanksgiving thing.

My Pecan Pie!

Me and Mom with the boots grandma made us.

My kitty taking a break under the tree that I had just put up.

My Grandma and Aunts Nancy and Sherma
What a wonderful Thanksgiving it was! Dev came down about a week early because he had to fly to San Diego to present a paper at a conference over the weekend before Thanksgiving, so both he and mom got to spend a good amount of time here in PA. We had a great time shopping a baking, taking out Christmas decorations, listening to Christmas music, etc. All morning on Wednesday, mom, Briann and I spent our time making pies at my place, then met up with the Aunts and their families at Papa Dinos that night (all of those who know my family know this is a Thanksgiving tradition). The next day, mom and I made rolls while watching the parade. We went, as usual, to Aunt Sherma's for the big bird feast. It was smaller than it usually is, but was still every bit as festive and enjoyable! We all took turns saying what we were thankful for. That night, we went to "Enchanted" (just us girls). The next night, we got together at my dad's house and ate and sang songs while mom played the piano. Even Uncle Mark got in to singing! I hope everyone had a great holiday like we here in PA did!

Reindeer Ears to Brighten Your Day

So mom and I were out shopping yesterday and we were a little stressed out (sometimes, holidays can do that to you). But with limited time to be together, we just wanted to enjoy ourselves. So, while browsing the dollar store, mom found some reindeer antlers and snowman ears to put on our heads. We couldn't stop grinning every time we looked at each other. There's nothing like something silly to brighten a stressful moment! Then we went home and, since we were in the mood, pulled out some Christmas decorations. Never underestimate the value of a dollar!

Danny, we're talking about you whether you want us to or not!

So, much to my brother's chagrin, I'm going to give a little insight into his life (this is a rare occurance because he doesn't really want to be talked about in anything on the internet) but I just wanted all the family and friends to know what's happening with him. He just got accepted at the Lancaster Bible College where he's starting on his way to become a minister. From the information I've gathered (the source was scant with the details) He's starting in January. Good Luck Danny!

The Kids!

Well, I posted some of these pics before I had to delete my ruined blog, so I thought I'd repost them! As you can see, the Hites out west are keeping busy! Nicolette turned one, they got to go camping, and Rees hams it up during soccer (remind anyone of his dad?). The pink tee Nicolette is wearing says "If you think I'm cute, you should see my aunt". Hee hee!

Halloween

Halloween this year was so much fun! I started off the day getting into my costume, then surprising my girls at work. Melissa and I carved the pumpkin, then took some pictures of her black cat, Midget, next to it. After work, I went over to Amanda B's house where they were all set up for a spooky party. Brad had decorated the porch into a Halloween haven (and I'll admit, with him in his Grim Reaper costume, I was a little creeped out). He had a great time traumatizing the small children by chasing them and handing them their candy very S-L-O-W-L-Y. They'd scream and run out off the porch, then turn back and say "We didn't get our candy!". One girl got the courage to take the candy, but then when she touched his hand, she jumped a mile and screamed her head off! So funny damaging the little kids.....
I haven't been able to participate in Halloween for a few years now, so I really enjoyed it!