When we described our plans for this year's holiday we got a lot of "whoa, that's a ton of traveling," or "I can't imagine doing all that." But, the truth is for both of us, bustling around during Christmas brings back great childhood memories and we couldn't have imagined doing it any other way. This year we decided to stay "home" aka in Baltimore, or thereabouts.
We kicked off our Christmas on the 23rd when we traveled up to Hanover, PA to spend the night with John's sister Amanda and her husband Ryan. They just moved into their
first house, and we've been up there a few times. It's a fantastic house and they've already made it a warm, welcoming home. John's youngest sister Kate and her boyfriend Tyler live in Taneytown so Hanover is a convenient 20 minute commute for them!
First, it was time to open some presents!
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| A ball pit from Aunt Kate & Uncle Tyler |
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| Having a heart-to-heart with Bouncing Tigger from Aunt Amanda & Uncle Ryan |
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| A book of Charlie's 2012 adventures |
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| John gets a Natty Boh pitcher and mallet from Kate & Tyler |
Then some Charlie play time, epic
Catch Phrase, and Family Photos!
On Christmas Eve we made ornaments and just relaxed.
We headed back to Baltimore around noon on Christmas Eve and spent some time at home before heading over to Katie & Troy's for a little egg nog and tacos!
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| Charlie helped Mom bake some cookies for Santa |
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| A white Christmas in Baltimore |
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| Christmas Eve Dinner in front of the TV--jack pot! |
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| Christmas Eve night with Troy and Evan involved some great singalongs, fabulous Mexican food, European Office, and plenty of cheer. |
We had Christmas morning at home with cinnamon buns, plenty of presents, and lots of new memories.
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| PRESENTS! |
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| Smurf from Mimi & Pops |
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| Tis true, kids love wrapping paper--ours even likes eating it! |
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| Santa brought a new toy chest/organizer |
Around 11 we headed over to Papa John & Gigi's for some more presents and brunch before the big Laur gathering. Uncle Chuck & Aunt Carla always host Christmas lunch.
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| A FOOTBALL! |
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| Yvette gets a new poncho from her fav store The Bead |
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| Papa John models his new swag |
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| Charlie loves Trains! |
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| Checking out cousin Deanna's new baby bulldog "Jax" who's digging Uncle Nelson's shoe string |
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| Time with Gigi |
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| Bobbie wants to take the puppy home! |
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| Ahh he's biting me! |
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| Charlie's best bud, Papa John |
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| The Carters! |
Then we came home to have the O'Connell Christmas. Mom, Dad, and Kitty came up from the shore and Katie and Derek joined us after spending the day with Derek's parents. I overreached slightly with the menu, after using
Pinterest to find all new recipes.
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| Presents, Presents, and more Presents! |
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| Apple accessories were a popular item. |
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| Charlie decides to join the party! |
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| The dinner! |
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| The crew, sans John who took the picture! |
We closed out our holiday with a brunch at Jane's house for Boxing Day. She made a fabulous meal and of course paired it with equally fabulous wine. Couldn't have been a better day to finish what was the best Christmas yet for the House on Strathmore family!
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| Charlie sneaking a few crackers! |
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| Entertaining G.A.K. |
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| Jane's gorgeous tree! |
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| QT which Charlie's other best bud--seeing a trend? |
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| "hello" and holding up the phone to his ear is Charlie's favorite new thing. |
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| Attempt at Mom & Dad's New Years card...maybe next year! |
