Merry Christmas!

Brad and I have known each other for three Christmases, and before going home each year we have always gone to the same spot to take pictures with Christmas lights. This has been such a fun tradition!

December 2007

December 2008 (the night before Brad proposed)

 

December 2009

Before flying 2000 miles across the country for our very southern Christmas, we had our own little Christmas a couple days before we left.

Here's some of my goodies:

The second book in my new favorite trilogy - The Hunger Games. I had to read an adolescent book that was on the New York Times best selling list last semester for my adolescent development class. I picked The Hunger Games, and Brad and I have been hooked ever since. We actually already finished the second book (it's been a matter of a week and a few days) and are anxiously awaiting the release of the third and final book.

My last present was a sewing machine! I've been wanting one for so so long!! Brad was afraid that if he put it under the tree I'd know what it was, so instead I was sent on a scavenger hunt through the house to find it!

Here's some of Brad's goodies:

Oh, how this boy loves fruit snacks!

 

Next on our Christmas-to-do list was seeing family. 

First stop: Atlanta to see Brad's family (well mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa at least). We got lots of goodies there, including a new camera, which was desperately needed! Thanks mom and dad Giesler! Also, on a side note, Susie Giesler cooked up some fantastic homemade dinners while we were there.

Second stop: Knoxville to see my family. My siblings definitely made Brad feel welcome giving presents that fit his personality. 

Third stop: North Carolina to see my extended family. My grandparents live on a very rural farm. We saw a brand new baby calf (it couldn't even walk yet);

we played with goats, donkeys, and dogs; 

 

 

we watched the sunset; 

 

we went on hikes;

 

we ate a lot of good food;

 and participated in some excellent family traditions ...

What an excellent Christmas!