The Christmas season

This season was filled with parties galore!

We went to the city to visit with Brian's old friend, Wojtek, who was visiting from Iceland with his fiancé

I was so stoked to spend Christmas in Chicago.  We spent the season with friends and family and got to see people that we hadn't seen in a long time.  

Gift exchange at Rocky and Lucille's place

 We started new traditions and got to hang stockings with Xander for the first time

We spent Christmas Eve with the Schmid's

4 generations : Great Grandma & Grandpa Schmid, Grandpa Larry, Brian and Xander

My first attempt at making creamed spinach, and it was a HIT! 

Christmas Day
Headed over to my in-laws house for an over-the-top breakfast, and gift opening

wait... we need SNOW to be able to use this!

Mama got her pro series mixer!!!

Since the only thing missing this Christmas, was Xierra, we FaceTimed with her and watched her open all of her gifts from us and from all of the Schmid's.

 We headed over to our aunt's place for a delicious italian dinner in the evening

Like father, like son

Although much of our time was spent EATING, fortunately, I managed to survive having gained zero pounds over the holidays :)