Deck the Halls with boughs of holly!

Tis the season!  After our AZ Thanksgiving trip, Drew and I couldn't wait to put up our Christmas decorations.  We have been used to putting our decorations in the same places for the past 5 years, but being in a new apartment, Drew and I had to get creative....

I think the tree should go...... HERE.....

I think it's the perfect spot?  I know we have a fake tree and I wish it was real, but it's still pretty.  Darn it... where does this part go?  Here comes Drew to save the day... thanks honey!

Don't you just love our topper?  I'm still too short to put it on.

AHHHH!!!!  (insert cheers and oohs and ahhs here.....)

I was really nervous where to put our stockings now that we don't have a fireplace in our apartment.  I think the ledge by our kitchen makes a perfect spot.  So cute.

I know it doesn't look very decorated.... gosh having a bigger place makes our decorations spread out.  You know what that means..... time to buy or make some more.  (hee hee, I'm starting to get giddy with excitement for new stuff)  Well I do know that our next decoration will be a felt gingerbread house.  I hope I get it finished by Christmas.  Oh that's Frosty the Snowman on the TV.  It was so perfect to have it on when we decorated.

And last but not least.....we now have a balcony that is visible and worth putting lights on.  BRRRRR was it cold outside!

Thanksgiving in the sun!

PHEW... what a trip. I don't think I have eaten that much food in a LONG time. Plus spending nights in a hot tub total helps make a vacation even more fun but BOY OH BOY was our weekend relaxing!

On Thursday (Thanksgiving), Drew and I woke up at 2:30 AM (yup you read that right) and marched our way to the airport to catch our 5:15 AM flight to Arizona. Boy am I crazy for doing that... note to self... next year definately plan on leaving Wednesday night. Anyhoo, Drew and I got up from our 2 hour cat nap and went to the airport and got to AZ by mid morning. I was already in capri pants & a tank top by 10AM and Drew was in a t-shirt and soaking up that Vitamin D.

 

Then it was time to prepare for the "FEAST".  Grandma took over the turkey and yams and I just have to say that they were the BEST yams I have ever had.  (sorry mom... yours are still good).  I ate 2 platefuls of thanksgiving food and it was DELICIOUS!  My in-laws sure know how to set a beautiful table and make a perfect presentation...

MMMMmmm.... turkey!!!!  Oh on the top next to the turkey is the BEST cranberry sauce I ever had.  It's simple to make (1 bag of cranberries, 1 whole orange cut up into pieces with rind, 1/2 cup to 1 cup of white sugar.... pulse in a food processor until desired consistancy and devour!)

 

Oh and of course you can't have a family thanksgiving without a family photo...

 

Sorry Terry... Someone had to take the picture.

 

After the festivities, it was on to the pool (billard) tournament.  It was a double elimination game and at first Drew and I were HORRIBLE!  I think we were in last place at one point in time, but I think someone was watching us because Drew and I took the WHOLE elichilada!  Yup, you got that right... WE WON!!!

Can I get a Woo Hoo!!!

The rest of the weekend went according to plan. 

- Went out shopping and got some new jeans

- relaxed in the pool

- had a joker tournament (family card game like Sorry)

First table with Doug, Bri, Cindy & Drew

Second table with Terry, Lori, Kevin & Dave

-We relaxed in the hot tub

- Roasted marshmallows and had smores over the firepit

- and went to IN-N-OUT burgers.  It's been the first fast food Drew has had in over 3 months!

Do you think we enjoyed it?

And last but not least..... Guess who got the top of the wishbone.....

Let's hope Drew's wish comes true!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!