Christmas in ABQ

Before we get to Christmas, I see that I neglected to mention Thanksgiving this year, which we spent in Grand Rapids, MI with Mark's Aunt and Uncle as usual. This was the year his married cousins spend with their in-laws, so Thanksgiving Day was a quiet one, though very nice, as always. We did see Drew and Christy and their kids for a quick visit at their place on Wednesday, and Mark's cousin Erin was with us for the big meal on Thanksgiving Day. She invited us to her place for games that night, which was also fun. And on Friday morning, Aunt Debbe and I made our traditional wreaths with greenery from her yard.

Aunt Debbe and me with our wreaths

Also on Thanksgiving weekend, Mark and I decorated our place. We are really enjoying our new tree (with dual-color lights!).

the wreath on our door at home

new tree, with white lights on

new tree with colored lights on

a few small decorations on the hope chest

Uganda nativity (plus a couple angels)

mini-ornament tree

This year, we spent Christmas in ABQ with my family. The main thing, as always, was spending time together, but we also really enjoyed the local food and the beautiful desert scenery. For breakfast, we made the rounds to our usual spots: Weck's (new location!), Blake's, and Twisters.

walking in to the new Weck's on Paseo

Weck's breakfast burrito (with extra cheese)--so good!

We had lunch at Dion's with Julie & Ben, then went bowling--some of my best games ever!

Dion's cheese bread and pepperoni pizza

first bowling game (Ben creamed us!)

second bowling game (Mark's turn to win!)

Throughout the week, Mom and I spent lots of time in the kitchen cooking and baking (and sitting around drinking tea!). On Christmas Eve, we had lasagna with Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa, then went to the Christmas Eve service at Grandma's church, and drove around for a bit after looking at lights.

before Christmas Eve dinner

On Christmas day, Julie and Ben joined us again, and we opened stockings before a big, tasty brunch, then lingered over the rest of the presents as usual. Later, we had dinner at Grandma's. The mountains got snow overnight (just rain in town), so the views were beautiful!

the family tree and some stockings

living room tree and so many presents!

with Grandma

with Mark

the table at brunch--so delicious!

Grandpa, Ben & Julie

Mark & Dad

Mom & Grandma

presents for everyone!

snowy mountains from Mom & Dad's street

Grandma's tree

finishing touches for dinner at Grandma's

dinner table at Grandma's (potatoes, ham, dried corn)

more dinner (potatoes, stuffing, smoked turkey, cranberry sauce)

we caught the mountains at sunset--can't beat the view!

mountains at sunset--panorama

one more of the mountains at sunset

The day after Christmas, Mark and I got together with Becca--it was great to catch up after a long while. Then, Mom, Grandma, and I did a bit of shopping.

Once we finally had a nice sunny day, Dad took us for a drive in Georgia, his latest classic car. Another day, Mom, Julie, Mark, and I went to see Frozen II, which was fun.

Georgia

inside the driver's side

me with the car

Mom & Mark in the roomy backseat 

the dash

looking out the front windshield

selfie in the car with Mom & Mark

I also got to look through about five photo albums and scrapbooks that Mom and Dad recently got--they are from the early days of my Dad's parents' relationship (Grandpa Mike and Grandma Lucero, who divorced when my Dad was a kid). Grandpa Mike also looked through them with me, so that was really special. We learned so much about their first few years together--dating, newlyweds, young family.

And, on our last day, Mom hosted a lovely mother-daughter tea with us and my sister's in-laws (we sure missed my in-laws, though!). We also got some snow in town, which was super fun.

I love the look of the snow on the desert plants!

the snowy backyard

As always, the time went by quickly, but it was good to be together. And it's also good to be home, though I haven't been quite ready to face the work I need to do before our next trip (WDW in January!)...I'll get there, sooner or later!

For now, Happy New Year!