On Holiday

I had quite an eventful holiday. First off, my lovely parents treated me to a trip to Williamsburg and D.C. My Mom usually gives trips to exotic destinations as presents, and this one happened to be for my graduation. Thanks Mom and Dad!

So my Mom, Dad and I made our first stop in Williamsburg, Virginia. I love this place! The town was restored to feel like it was frozen in time during the American revolution. Everything is perfectly quaint and all the townspeople dress, speak and act in character. For a girl who loves romantic idealism, Williamsburg is a little slice of heaven.

Thomas Jefferson looks great for his age. I couldn't resist. Don't worry, The Pants doesn't get jealous.

Next stop was Washington D.C.
It was friggity frigid while we were there--to the tune of 15 degrees with fierce wind.
First we hit up H&M (conveniently I "needed" a jacket and hat). Then we headed to the American History and Native American Smithsonian, the Botanical Gardens, and ended our day at the national Christmas tree.
Kudos to the nice guy that took this picture. He managed to capture the Washington Monument, the tree and the menorah.

I found refuge from the cold in Starbuck's salted caramel hot chocolate, and any building that we could duck into when our extremities froze (about every 5 blocks).

After seeing these awesome moccasin/stockings at the Native American Smithsonian, I added them to my Christmas list. They were beautiful. Killer boots, man.

We also made a stop at the D.C. temple. The lights were amazing and the missionaries and members were so warm and friendly. I love going to new places and feeling a sense of home that only The Spirit can bring.
Then I headed home to spend Christmas with the Horey family. I was SO blessed to be on one of very few flights that landed at the Portland airport that day. I was welcomed off the plane by the faces of hundreds of people wishing they could be home with the people they loved for Christmas.

We had a great Christmas with gourmet meals (a la Cathy), and so many great presents.
Did I mention I got a KitchenAid?
I love the picture above. This is the reaction to the grandbaby picture book Jess sent to grandpapa and nanna. Notice the tears.

Finally, we spent New Year's Eve with my dear friends from home.
The pants got an ear full of catch-up gossip.

*I have a charmed life.*