Thoughts from the Holidays

Mike and I am finally beginning our winter break. The past week has been filled with car rides, trips to relatives, laughter and food. (A whole lot of food.....which might contribute to the fact that we have both packed on a few extra lbs. over the week) We were blessed to be able to spend time with family and friends that we don't get to see on a regular basis.

We spent time in New York with Mike's family. It was nice to catch up with family, see how everyone has changed and to see those people who remain the same year after year. Here are some pictures from the NY trip.

Just a small sampling of the food. This was just part of what was at Susie and Vinnie's Christmas Eve.

The Porretta's Christmas Day, sitting around after a wonderful Italian feast.

Vince, Dom and Mike relaxing and cheesing it up for the camera at Grandma and Grandpa Porrettas.

The day after Christmas we headed back to Ohio and then went to Coshocton to spend time with my side of the family. Dad and Gwen's was on Saturday, followed by the Porteus Christmas......or as Carson called it the 'food party'. On Sunday we spent time at Mom and Tom's. It was great having everyone in one house....including Robbie and Jeni and Grandma Shryock. There were many Christmas memories that we will continue to treasure for years to come.

Tons of presents at Dad and Gwen's. It's fun when there are little ones to spoil!

I think that the Uncles and Dads spent more time setting up the train then JD and Carson did playing with it!

More presents at Mom and Tom's. Mike looks a little overloaded!

The whole 'clan' smiling for the camera.


Today we both got to relax a little in the morning.....well Mike played Guitar Hero....his new favorite Wii Game....and I slept in. Then it was back to the doctor for blood work for me. (I have to say it was nice being away the past week and not being pricked 3-4 times a week). This afternoon we went over to Mike's family in Westerville and exchanged gifts as well as played a great game of Dominoes! (a game we picked up in New York and I have a feeling will be a new Porretta household favorite) This evening the Wells kids all got together for homemade pasta and a Guitar Hero battle. It was so nice getting to spend time with Robbie again. We have always been close siblings....Janna, Robbie and I. Even though Janna and I live 10 miles from each other and remain close it's nice to know that you can be close to your little brother....even when he lives 1000's of miles away in Alaska.

So there is a little sampling of what we did this holiday. In the days to come look for a detailed comparison of New York vs. Coshocton Christmases. I think that you'll find it quite humorous....I know that Mike and I do. I'll try to get that up as soon as possible...but I am going to be selfish the next few days and enjoy spending some quality time with just my husband. It's something that we don't get to do together very often with our busy schedules at work and school and something that we both want/need to do more of. So it might be a few days before the pics and video get up......but they'll be there.