Christmas 2009

Aunt Celine and Lorianna's tree in FL.

This year e and I traveled to Tallahassee for Christmas and New Years. It had been since e was a year that we had participated in all the holiday traditions with the family. This year's recipe called for all the emotions and I'm still feeling the affects. (I journal this entry now before it's 2011 and I see that 2010 has only 12 entries.)

2008 was nice beginning the rituals of Santa's cookies and treats for his reindeers in our St. Louis home but I have to admit there is something so special about a house full of people and having time to visit with old friends in a town I called home for 20 years. 

2008, our home in STL.

We traveled for an extended time to Florida to stay with Celine and Lorianna, they were the perfect hostesses. From day one of landing in the warmer climate we were super busy. Mornings started very early and nights lasted well into the morning, a perfect recipe for sleep deprivation. 

Our time consisted of seeing Papa Joe, being with the entire family for both Christmas Eve and day and celebrating friendships I've had for 20+ years. Starting with Papa Joe, the time out on the farm was super special. e did his job helping Papa feed up the horses.

We also spent time out on the golf course with Papa Joe and Uncle CJ.

Golfing was super fun and I even got to try the sport. It felt good giving the ball my all but didn't do so well at it. e on the other hand, by the time he got in a few practice rounds in was doing rather well both at the sport and driving the cart.

Mentioning Uncle CJ, another special part of this trip was that Mom and Uncle CJ came too. It was a real blessing to have everyone together this year. Here is a great photo of the four of us on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve was just as I remembered with the Polish dinner before Catholic Mass. To finish the evening we played the game, Yankee swap. This game is always hilarious with 18 people. Aunt Mary's house was full of people and full of laughter. Christmas dinner needed yet another leaf in the table to house us all. 

Christmas morning we all woke at Celine and Lo's. After waiting patiently for (Great) Gran and Aunt Celeste to arrive we tore into the thoughtful gifts. One very special gift e received this year was his very own and super nice camera. After presents we ate a great breakfast and rested until it was time to head out for dinner.

The trip was full (as I mentioned) not only with family but friends as well. After Christmas a few of us girls were able to get a night out since our travel dates overlapped. It was so nice seeing everyone. Nikki made a special flight in so that she could catch up (so thoughtful). It had been a long time seeing some of them and what was so fantastic was we picked up right where we all left off. True friendships withstand the test of time, this group is for life!

(Left to Right: Jeanie, Heidi, Carrie, Nikki, Anita and myself)

It was difficult coming back to an empty home. e's father was able to pick us up from the airport and immediately started his visit with e since we had been gone for weeks. I mourned the quiet a little and caught up on sleep. I truly enjoy a full home and all the commotion. Thank you to everyone who made these holidays so special! Now onward to 2010!

You can see a lot more photos of Christmas 2009 here uploaded to e's Flickr site.