Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

We were finally able to go home after a long 4 years of not being home for Christmas. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful families and friends. It doesn't seem like a lifetime would be enough to spend with them but we had to settle for a few very short 4 days.

Saturday evening, we were able to see Jake's family. It's always nice too catch up and see how quickly the kids have grown. We even had time to squeeze in some beautiful family photos of everyone at once. That never happens and are very grateful that we were able to capture these memories.

The whole family

Marcin, Juliet, Tom, Hania, Jake, Me

Jake and I

 Sunday we saw one of our best friends that we haven't seen in a year and a half. We grabbed a delicious brunch with mimosas at Rivers Casino and then ventured over to the Steelers game. The weather was calm but chilly and it made for a perfect atmosphere to watch the Steelers beat the Chiefs and clinch a playoff spot.

Jason, Ashley, Me, and Jake at the Steelers game

Monday and Tuesday we made our way north to see my family in Meadville. My parents took me to an early birthday dinner at Aoyama Japanese Steakhouse in Erie, had some delicious cheesecake for dessert, and got to spend some quality time with my parents.

My Grandparents

My Dad, Mom, Me, and Jake

Christmas Eve was busy but we were able to squeeze everyone in. We went to see my family in Ohio for an early dinner. It was crazy with all the kids but worth every second spent with everyone. In the evening we went back down to Pittsburgh to be with Jakub's family and have the traditional Polish dinner. Everything was so delicious and had a great time opening gifts.

My mother in law and I in front of the dinner table.

Jakub and his brother Marcin

Jakub, Natalia, Marcin

Jakub and his family

Now, I sit on the flight back to Arizona on Christmas Day (while listening to *NSYNC holiday songs) counting all the blessings that I have in my life. I have the best parents, in laws, extended family, and friends that anyone could possibly ask for.  I'm also especially thankful that I said YES to a very important question exactly 6 Christmases ago.  I have the best husband a girl could ever ask for.  I'm so happy that we were able to make the trip back and hope that we don't have to wait another four years to do it again.

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. I hope that Santa brought you everything you wanted.  In the words of *NSYNC, "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays."

M