I always feel a little silly writing about Christmas in the New Year. Do you guys even care? But since I took the whole break off to be present with the fam, it’s the only way I can keep my 17-years-and-counting blog going! So here is everything we did over the holidays. *Rewinding the VCR tape*
Happy Birthday Grandpa
Thomas’s dad’s birthday is right before Christmas! We had a family night to celebrate (and then he got a new knee for his bday / Christmas).
Family Thai food dinner
Crozet Christmas Parade
We went to a friend’s 6th birthday party at the new Ivy House Play Space in Crozet. The boys did holiday crafts, and then we watched the parade out front.
Santa!
And I bumped into “Buddy the Elf” (as Birch calls him) aka, Seth out on a run!
ACAC Events
Gingerbread house making
My DIY picnic dinner
And a holiday party / white elephant at Random Row!
Christmas Pizza
Thomas spent HOURS making two large Christmas pizzas (Here is the recipe!). A Donne family tradition. This was his best ever!
Neighborhood Party
Always a highlight!
Christmas Eve
Mazen went to New Orleans with his dad, so Christmas Eve and Day were quiet.
A few friends from ACAC and I went to Keswick Spa for a girls spa day. Such a treat to go on a Saturday and not have to be home to meet the school bus! I think this is the nicest and best spa in Cville, and you can make a whole day of it. We went in the infrared sauna, showered, shared a charcuterie board, and did lots of relaxing. We all got facials!
Before:
After:
Kath Eats Real Food
Splendid Spoon Soup
Blue Apron Grain Bowl
Orzo Chicken Soup by Pinch Of Yum
It. Was. So. Good.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
“Wine”
Clean Kitchen : )
Splendid Spoon Detox Kit
Splendid Spoon is my favorite pre-made smoothie company, and I will sometimes order them when I want a reset or as a gift for a new mom or someone going through surgery. They have a new bundle that has tons of high-fiber, plant-based lunches and dinners along with smoothies on promo right now. I got a sample, and they are so good! Check it out here.
Medley Wine
Another new find (not great timing with Dry January!) are these Medley Wine Pouches. They are European (French / Italian), organic, no sugar added, pure wines that last for 45 days. Each one has 4 bottles in it – great for keeping on-hand for guests or taking to a party / the beach / traveling / etc. The white and red are AMAZING.
Our break ended with a snow day the day before the kids were supposed to go back to school. YAY US!
Next week is cruise week!
We went on a Disney Cruise from Dec 29 – Jan 4. We had a wonderful trip! I have all the recaps coming next week.
Danielle says
Looks like a great break! Where in Sicily is Thomas’s family from? My grandparents were from a small town in Sicily near Palermo.
Kath Younger says
I’m not sure they know, but I will inquire! They were the Delladonnes if I’m remembering correct. Shortened to Donnes later.
Susan McMillan says
Love the recaps. Looking forward to reading about your cruise.