wHoA... dEcEmBeR wAs PaCkEd

the holidays have come and gone

it's time to get back to "normal"

all the guests have gone home

big daddy went back to work this morning

the tree and lights need to be taken down and put away

the house and laundry need some love

okay... a lot of love

the kids will go back to school next tuesday

what a holiday it was

almost every member of my family was in this house this year

it was wonderful...

we ate...

we drank...

we exchanged some pretty awesome gifts...

i have always loved having people in my house

i'm pretty sure it makes a house happy to have lots of happy people in it

normally...

i can not wait to take down all the tinsel and lights

somehow, this year,

i have fully enjoyed having them up

and

honestly, it makes me sad to be done with it all

this year we were in a new place

doing new things

and

it.felt.good.

things are slower here

there is more a sense of community

more like its the people that matter

there was a parade

anyone could be included

lots of decorated golf carts

the same night of the parade

was big daddy's work christmas party

we have never gone before

but this year...

it was literally right down the street

we had a very fun night

getting dressed up...

eating...

drinking...

dancing...

there was the tour of homes

totally up my alley

got to go into some really amazing homes

and ate some really great food

so fun

the third weekend, was the play

my emily was a part of that

such a surprising treat

i loved it 

on thursday before christmas, there was caroling at the gazebo

we live across the street from the gazebo

so...

naturally, we sat on our front porch

under the gas heater

drank cider and hot chocolate

and enjoyed the carols and people

it's really nice to have access to the hotel here on the fort

as much as i would love to host all our guests, it's really just not practical

at the hotel, they have their own private space

and they are just on the other side of the golf course

i think it makes everyone happy

i love it here

when life gets to heavy

one only needs to

load up the golf cart...

pull out a bicycle...

or

put on some running shoes...

and

hit the trails

enjoy creation

breathe some fresh air

notice the beauty

taste and see that HE is good...

all.the.time!!!