Christmas Break... YESSSS!

Wow, so much fun in so little time!

Aaron's b-day celebration was on Monday... Mom and I made an amazing milanesa dinner and instead of cake we had a double layer chocolate caramel brownie creation (extremely rich but delicious of course). Tuesday my family and my uncle and his family fulfilled our annual tradition of visiting Longwood gardens. It was pretty cold, so I put on a couple layers of clothing, which I was extremely grateful of later. The gardens were worth every second that I had to brave the cold. I wish I could give each of you a feel for it, but it's beyond words... the perfume of a thousand flowers saturates the warm moist air, and the flowers' brilliant hues with the winking Christmas lights compose an atmosphere awash with ethereal beauty. Pictures are much better than words, so here are some links to see what I'm talking about: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=76713&l=7e6a9&id=586571018 and http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1791901&l=16a8d&id=586571018.

Wednesday we went caroling and I had to do some last minute shopping (yes, I was shamefully behind with my Christmas purchases), which was luckily mostly successful. At home I experimented with a new recipe for marinated chicken for pita pockets, which luckily turned out well and became the main course of our traditional shepherd's meal that we all enjoyed on the floor. The mellow light of the candles, the familiar carols, the nativity story (that we acted out) and the Christmas tree gave the evening all of the magic that rightfully belongs to Christmas Eve. Afterward Laura and I prepared a double batch of cinnamon rolls and set the table for breakfast the next morning.

It was the first year I didn't get up at the unearthly hours between 2 and 4am. It was 7:30 before I opened my eyes on Christmas morning, and I must say, an unbroken night of sleep wasn't all that bad. Breakfast was heavenly, but torture for my brothers. Presents were opened, and I set to work right away with my new knitting needles and yarn to make my roommate's Christmas present. Later we went to the Ebeling's house for a Lamb dinner, followed by Muppet's Christmas Carrol and some delicious cake and pie. Quite a comfortable Christmas.

Friday I got to relax, knit, read, play games, and just take it easy. Saturday we took a trip to the mall and played basketball as a family. I can't believe I have less than a week left...

I hope to hear from you soon, that you all had a very merry Christmas, and that you have a wonderful new year!!!

Love,

Margaret