Christmas in the Desert

I still can't believe we're more than half way through January.  Christmas seems like it was just yesterday!  C and I spent Christmas in Arizona this year, and his whole family joined us which was really nice.  Hard to be away from my family, but they did a great job at trying to keep me involved, including mailing a bunch of presents all the way from Michigan. Nothing more exciting than a tree with unopened gifts underneath!

Lucky Mia playing dress up with her snowman toy - which lasted approximately two hours.

C's Mom and brother opening gifts.

Mia about to open some treats from me.  Had to do the special wrapping for her too :)  And a little preview of some of my favorite gifts this year - a homemade shopping bag with a little Spartan flavor!

C's Dad looking over his new photography book.

Presents all opened, time for a nap!

The table all set for dinner.

Now that's a good looking plate.

Christmas cake from Tammie Coe Cakes to finish the dinner, delish! 

It was a great Christmas, full of family, laughter, and good food.  Can't ask for much more, it flew by way too fast.  Already can't wait for the holidays next year :)

5 Things I Loved about Thanksgiving

Fall, leaves, and cold weather.  Very different from Phoenix and perfect for the holidays.

Wisconsin classics - Spotted Cow beer and some venison sausage.

Generation picture of all the boys!  Including new addition, Roman.

Turkeyyyyyy. 

Don't get me wrong - I'm a apple and pumpkin pie fan on Thanksgiving, but this was my favorite dessert yesterday.  Caramel cheesecake...ahhh I can still taste it! 

Have a great holiday weekend! 

Happy 4th Of July

I wanted to share some of my favorite 4th of July recipes today.  Just looking at these make me hungry, enjoy!  

First are these amazing cupcakes from Skip to My Lou.

Nothing says summer and holiday quite like cherry pie.  The recipe for this Stars and Stripes Pie is perfect for the occasion.

How cute are these little slices of cheesecake?!  Decorated so cute, these American Flag Cheesecakes are for sure a crowd pleaser. 

Finally this Red White and Blue Cake, looks delish and a great way to use summer berries.

I hope you all have a great holiday, eat some tasty dishes and watch all kinds of fireworks.  See you back here tomorrow, Happy 4th!! 

Christmas Day

As we get further and further into the new year it seems like Christmas was ages ago.  Thought I would show you the final pictures of my holiday spent in Michigan before too much time had passed.  Here's a preview to what Santa had in store for us.  I was a big girl this year and didn't sneak around and shake each gift to figure out what it was. 

My Mom and Hallie bug.

After church, opening gifts.

My brother opening his gifts from me.  How nice is that shirt and tie... what a lucky guy!

My parent's opening their joint give from my brother and I. 

I think we did a pretty good job!  Bought a wooden S and took pictures from when we were little until present day and glued them on with a clear gloss over.  Looks pretty cool.

My Mom had large afghans made for each of us.  My brother's was pieces of all his hockey jerseys.

Fresh holly.

Turkey dinner... yum!  Also tried rabbit for the first time, it was awesome.  Anyone else like rabbit?

Hallie REALLY liked the rabbit :)

We like to play games.  A lot.

And we get pretty into it.

Dessert time.  Apple crisp with whipped cream.

Best part of Christmas... no not my IPhone... family. 

Hope all of your holidays were as merry as mine!

Merry Christmas

Wasn't that the definition of home?  Not where you are from, but where you are wanted.

I won't be all the way home in the upper peninsula for Christmas, but I will be in the Detroit area with my Mom's whole family.  I am excited to get out of the city and relax with family and friends.  Not to mention presents and good food, what more could you ask for?

I hope you all have a great holiday and enjoy every minute with your loved ones.