Thanksgiving and Christmas 2011 were especially fun for us. But I have to admit, beginning with the week before Thanksgiving when I start decorating the house for Christmas to New Year's Eve, there was constant activity at the Brewer house. It was a bit tiring. And we loved it and wouldn't have had it any other way.
The Friday before Thanksgiving, we hosted Anderson's best buddies at our house to drive go carts at an indoor racing facility nearby and then spend the night. The boys had so much fun together, as always, and Paul is always Dad-of-the-Year for entertaining them all.
The Monday before Thanksgiving, we celebrated with my family at Mom and Dad's house. We opted out of the traditional turkey and chose to have a potluck of some of our favorite dishes. The food, the company, and the setting were all perfect.
On Wednesday we headed to Greensboro to be with Paul's side of the family. We wanted to get a few days in at Grammy's, so we left a day early and came home on Friday. This was the first holiday since their home had been renovated so that all 31 of us can eat in the same room. That's right--all 31 of us were able to eat in the same room. At tables. With a proper place setting for each person. It was WONDERFUL. We stayed in the dining room almost the entire day, eating (a lot), drinking (a little), and playing cards. It was truly a perfect day. And we even managed to snap a quick photo of the boys for our Christmas cards.
The following Wednesday, the 30th, was Anderson's 13th birthday. What a special day in our family. Anderson officially entered "young manhood", and Paul and I officially became parents to a teenager--a wonderful, remarkable, mature and loving teenager. That evening, we went to the Olive Garden (Anderson's choice--he loves the unlimited soup and breadsticks, and we don't mind because it is an inexpensive meal for him!). Jackson joined us for dinner, and afterwards, Paul and Anderson went to a NC State basketball game.
And the fun continued right into December with all kinds of events:
1. On the 10th, we attended a family reunion with my Granny's family (she had 13 brothers and sisters, if I never mentioned that before, so there is always a CROWD of people at this annual event);
2. That evening, my sister and I hosted a dinner for the cheerleaders we help coach. Meanwhile, Paul and Anderson attended a party at the golf course where Paul won "Golfer of the Year". It must be terrible to be so good at golf. :)
3. On the 17th, I hosted our annual Christmas wine party for some of my closest girlfriends, and that night never fails to be a fun and festive time.
4. The 12th and 14th were Cole and Andrew's birthdays (my niece and nephew). We love having so many Christmas babies in our family. Even if it is CRAZY here in December.
5. The 22nd was my baby sister's birthday. Mom and Dad took all of us (and most of our children) out to dinner at Kanki (my pick this year) for a delicious Japanese meal cooked right in front of us. Bennett talked our chef's ear off (his name was Lucas), but he didn't seem to mind.
6. Laura's baby, Addison, turned three on the 23rd. That night, we hosted a "Cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus" party the day before Christmas for our friends with young children to come and visit Santa and his wife (aka Granddaddy and Granny). The kids arrive in their pajamas after dinner, eat cookies and tell Santa what they want for Christmas. This was the first of what is sure to be an annual event here at our home.
7. On Christmas Eve, we went to Aunt Bonnie's for lunch with the Bailey family, as is our tradition, and then we came back here to our house to let the kids open their gifts from one another.
8. Christmas morning, Paul decided he wanted to go to my parents' house for breakfast with my side of the family. So we did. It was delicious, and the kids had fun showing off their toys. The best toy of Christmas was a karaoke machine given to Jackson by my mom and dad. We adults had the MOST fun with that on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
9. Christmas day we headed off to Greensboro for dinner and a gift exchange for the kids.
10. The 26th--I came home with Bennett. We spent the night with my folks for two nights. I FINALLY rested. Paul and Anderson headed off to Charlotte to watch NC State play Louisville in the Belk Bowl on the 27th. Dad, Bennett and I stayed up late watching it (Bennett made it to the 3rd quarter before falling asleep). The Wolfpack won, of course, and Paul and Anderson had a wonderful time.
11. December 27th was my sister Anna's birthday. I was able to see her and celebrate with her because I was staying with Mom and Dad, and she is their neighbor.
12. December 28th--My birthday was especially sweet this year. After days of resting at my parents' house, I was able to go for a long run that morning, and that afternoon Paul and Anderson returned home to bring me sweet cards. That evening, my hubby took me shopping to buy me a new North Face ski jacket that I had my eye on and then took me out to dinner downtown. Such fun.
13. December 30th--We attended another holiday party hosted by a friend of Paul's at the golf course. It was fun, but I think I contracted the host's stomach virus. That was not fun.
14. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day came and went. We rested. We needed it. Plus, a stomach virus can eradicate any desire to celebrate.
And here we are....2012 is in full swing. And honestly, the decorations are down and stored away, and we are already missing Christmas. Can you believe it? We console ourselves with knowing that Thanksgiving is just 320 days away. And Christmas? 352 days away. The countdown is always on in our house. And with all the fun we have in November and December, why wouldn't we?
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