Merry Christmas!

I think I figured out why I haven't been blogging much lately. You know how, when you've had a lot going on, it tires you out to tell someone about it? I think that's been my issue with our blog. I have had so much to do when I go online, then once I finish that, when I think back on what we've done lately, I just get tired.

So, on this Merry Christmas night, I am going to blog a little differently. I am going to just hit the highlights of the last few days.

• Lots of food! We've had great dinners out: Hyman's Seafood, 82 Queen, Andolini's Pizza, Saffron Bakery. Then, I cooked a holiday meal: Honeybaked Ham, sweet potatoes, veggie casserole, baked pineapple, green beans, Derby town pie, apple pie. Oh, and don't forget the cookies we made.

• Grandma's 75th birthday -- We spent Grandma's birthday night, out to dinner with my friend/personal trainer, Justin. After our lowcountry fare at 82 Queen, we went to Club Habana, where the guys had cigars and the ladies had martinis! Fun times!

• Downtown -- we've made a few trips downtown, toured the Calhoun Mansion, and shopped the Market Street shops. Also, we've driven around, just looking at houses and across the Ravenel Bridge during the day and at night.

• Giving back -- We took Christmas cookies and gingersnaps to the firemen down the street. Grace was annoyed we were doing it (she only wants to save trees!), but was sweet when we delivered them.

• A Christmas Day beach trip, of course! We went to Folly Beach this evening, just before dark. Grace and her grandmama put their feet in the water like the nuts that they are. Jasen and Davis ran around with Santa hats on their heads. Angie, Grandma, and I tried to capture the perfect picture.

• Presents, presents, and more presents. Wow. So, we all agreed to cut back this year, but why did it seem the number of presents did not go down!! I think I can sum up our favorite presents: Grace: her comfy chair for sitting in front of the TV (!!), and a robe Davis: Buzz and Woody figurines, Lightning McQueen car and slippers Jasen: Old Citadel photos (from the 1890s and 1950s), Gods of Diyala book (written by two lieutenants who were in Jasen's unit during their first deployment to Iraq), light sabers to share with the kids (they indirectly each got one!!) Sara: full-length apron, first edition The Razor's Edge by Somerset Maugham

I am not sure what Mom and Grandma's favorite gifts were, although their kid calendars are usually big hits. I think Angie had a favorite but I am not sure she wants to share it with everyone!

I will post pictures soon!

Absence

Wow, it has been awhile since I have blogged. I can't say why, but I just haven't. I think in some ways, it's because I would be repeating myself. We still love Charleston. Jasen's job is affording us some great family time and I cannot tell you how thankful we are for that. Grace is still loving school and we still adore her teacher, Mrs. Branch. The did a trip around the world this past week and Grace was able to take in some Germany pictures. Also, Jasen attended a field trip with her this week. Davis is doing well. He's almost completely potty-trained which is exciting!! He loves school and I am worried about how he's going to do without going for two weeks!!

This weekend, my mom, baby sister, and Grandma are all coming in to spend Christmas with us. We are quite excited!!