Let's Drive? Let's Fly? Disaster!!!

When planning our post block leave trip we where just going to do something simple, the two of us. Then the hubbs had the great idea to go back home to Texas and Arizona. I was 100% on board, going to see both of our families, ummm yes please. So the hubbs had the bright idea to drive from Tennessee to Texas and then from Texas to Arizona. Sounded like a great idea right. Then I started google mapping the route and the time it would take to drive. YIKES!!! 10 Hours from TN to TX and then 15 Hours from TX to AZ. Talk about crazy. I asked the hubbs why he wanted to drive, if there was a specific reason. He said "he figured it would just be cheaper". Makes sense. I was totally for driving from TN to TX but then to add another 15 hours to AZ after that, we'd loose 2 days just in traveling. I did a online search for plane tickets and found two round trip tickets for a week under $400.00. DONE!! I'm normally the one who is always trying to save money and take the easy way out but I was more than willing to cough up the extra dough for the tickets to allow us to have more time in each place. 

The hubbs mom had absolutely no idea we where coming, she didn't even know we where in Texas. His dad knew though and he was in on the plan the whole time. Her birthday was the day after we where going to arrive and that was a big reason for going to AZ when we did. I couldn't wait to surprise her. We'd been sitting on the secret for MONTHS. Finally with in a few short hours she would have the best birthday ever!!! 

After our dinner at OTB my NeNe drove us to the airport and dropped us off at the terminal I told her we where flying out of. We where already going to be about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs early but that was ok by us. We didn't want NeNe to be out driving late. That's when all H-E-Double Hockey Sticks broke out. 

We started to check in at the kiosk and our reservation was not able to be located. The sweet gate agent informed us we where at the wrong terminal. (If you know DFW airport, you know you can't just walk to the other terminals) So back outside we went to catch the shuttle to the correct terminal. Along the way my phone rings, it was our airline calling to tell us that our 9:20pm flight out had been delayed till 11:30pm. Oh My Gosh, talk about frustration. (I missed a call at dinner from a 1-800 # but there was no message, so I didn't think anything of it (it was the airline) and silly me I never check our flights before we leave, lesson learned for sure.) The hubbs was already in a funk because we went to the wrong terminal, now we where delayed and going to be at the airport for almost 3 1/2-4 hrs waiting. Finally at our correct terminal and checking in at the ticket counter. The problems just keep coming. The hubbs was checking a firearm so we had to go through that process, the gate agent had clearly never dealt with doing this before. Then he so kindly reminded her that she needed to weigh our bag. (we packed ONE GIANT roller duffle bag and I had a small roller board carry on) I knew it was going to be over but I didn't expect it to be 29 lbs over. Yes our bag weighted in at 79lbs. I had two 5lbs weights in there that I was able to take out and put in my carry on but the bottle of wine, my blender (yes I packed my own blender) and all my Shakeology fixings had to stay in there. It brought our bag down to 69lbs, which over course was still 19lbs over weight, there was nothing we could do. I hadn't my CC over and paid the $100.00 fee, complaining would do no good we knew it was our own fault. 

After the whole bag or-deal we head down to the TSA Over Baggage Office (which we had the hardest time finding) to have our bag and the Firearm searched and Declared (airline / airport policy). The guy sitting at the desk in the room was on his head phones in his own little world. "Excuse Me, we need to have our bag checked bc we have a Firearm" I said. He slams his phone down and throws his head phones off, as if we where interrupting his precious time. Excuse me, but isn't this your job. "Where's the gate agent that checked you in" he asked. "She didn't come down with us, she just told us where to come" I responded. Oh heavens that opened up another can of worms. "She's suppose to come with you, ugh." He takes our bag with this disgusted look on his face. Pardon me sire, we are just doing what she told us to do, I though. He tosses our bag on the table and opens it up, and again has this awful face when he opens it up as though our belongings smelled or was a complete disaster when he opened it. But it was anything but that. He did the search and went to put the test paper in the machine and as he did it the machine went down. Oh gosh this guys day was just getting worse and worse. So we waited while  the machine rebooted. OMG, what else could go wrong. Finally that was done, I waited to make sure our bag was all closed up before walking away since we had to leave it with him. Off through security and to our gate to get settled in for our long awaited delay. 

At this point we where both frustrated and annoyed with everything and where just exhausted from the back and forth. 

Since we had a good bit of time to waste and had to get ahold of the FIL who was picking us up to let him know what was going on, We went back and forth on what we wanted to do. Do we rent a car and drive the hour out to the house at midnight when we land? Do we get a hotel and stay the night in PHX? Do we contact his cousin and stay there with them for the night? Do we still have his dad come pick us up? Do we tell his mom, and give into the surprise? We where finally able to get in contact with his dad to let him know what was going on. Even though we where getting in so late he still didn't mind picking us up. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my In-Loves, they are amazing. 

While the hubbs was on the phone with his dad I heard something about a standby earlier flight. I jumped up and ran to the ticket counter. Only two wait in line forever to be told we couldn't get on because we had checked baggage. UGH!!!!

I was so mad. When I sat back down I said to the hubbs "I really wished I had that bottle of wine that is in the checked bag right now because I NEED A DRINK!!!!" He didn't realize I had pack it, because before we left I told him I wasn't going to take it to try and save on weight. Yay, when I knew we where going to be over I said what the heck and packed it any how. 

There was a restaurant / bar right down from our terminal so we headed down for drinks and a slice of cheese cake. He finally convinced me that we needed to tell his mom because we where getting in so late and he felt bad having to have his dad come get us. I really didn't want to I wanted to surprise her. But I guess it was still a great surprise because her reaction when I told her was priceless. 

Skip ahead a few hours, we finally boarded, gate checked my carry on roller (which had ALL my clothes in it just not shoes), landed in AZ, met up with the in-loves (best welcoming reaction from his mom ever!!!), got the carry on roller off the luggage conveyer-belt but no duffel. You know the one with the Firearm in it. We waited and waited and waited and nothing. We though maybe we have to get it at the luggage service counter for the airline because it has a firearm, or maybe they took it there because it was so big it couldn't go on the conveyer-belt. The line was insanely long with people trying to locate their bag or file a claim. I sat down the the folks while the hubbs waited in line. After what seemed like forever he was finally able to speak to a agent at the counter. I see her walk back to the back to check for our bag and shortly later she comes back empty handed. The hubbs head drops and I threw my jacket down and ran over there. You've got to be kidding me. Its not here. Hello freakout moment. Not only did we had the Firearm in there but collectively with both our new shoes, my BB stuff, clothes and birthday gifts there was over $3000 worth of stuff in that bag. The airline had no recored of the bag even being checked in and leave DFW. All that time we where waiting where the heck was our bag? The hubbs had nothing, no clothes, no shoes, no toiletries, No GUN. You could see the frustration coming, I was furious and stressed to the max, tired from such a long day and hungry. All they where able to do was file a claim for a missing / lost bag. 

On the drive home I was googling and trying to call any one I could to figure out what we needed to do. Apart of me wanted to turn around and go back to DFW to get the bag. Simply because his gun was in there. Its one out of 100 (I believe) made, so replacing it would be quite hard. 

I spent the next morning calling again and again trying to locate the bag. Finally mid-morning a recording update, our bag had landed in AZ. I checked the online website status and it to said it had arrived in AZ. It NEVER got on a plane last night. Seriously so where was the bag the entire time we where sitting on the DFW airport. I fully blame it on the TSA baggage office guy. He was such a jerk and probably left the bag sitting on the table after we walked away. 

We got a call about a hour later saying our bag was going to be out for delivery and should arrive by 1pm. It was about 9:30am at this point, so that meant we had to hang out at the house till it got there.  Sucks for them, because his parents live about a hour from the airport. Ya, sucks for us because the bag didn't end up getting delivered till 15 min after 1pm. 

Everything was there and accounted for though. Thank freaking goodness. 

We should have drove, but we flew. It will be quicker and less stressful I though, but it wasn't. 

It was nothing but a HOT MESS.

July 4th Weekend Getaway!!!

Over the 4th of July weekend I headed up to Ohio to meet up with my In-Loves. My Father in Law has family there and apparently they do a annual 4th of July shindig and go all out. Not having any plans of my own I was excited about the opportunity when my MIL mentioned it to me a few months back. I was a bit nervous though as I'd never met any of this side of the family and neither had the hubbs. Talk about a funny story, me meeting some of his family before he ever had. So Thursday morning I dropped the pups off at the Kennel facility, first time for them. I was a bit of an emotional wreck but we all survived. lol. Headed to work for a few short hours before they let me go early knowing I had a drive ahead of me. I had my lunch and snacks packed for my road trip so I wouldn't have to stop other than to use the restroom, thankfully my car get awesome gas mileage and I knew I'd make it with out having to stop and fill up. I arrived in Delaware, OH right after 9pm and was warmly greeted by my sweet In-Loves. Aunt Janet who will be 80 years young soon, (who we where staying with) had already gone to bed. We chatted up the evening a bit before calling it a night, knowing the next few days where going to be busy busy.

Up bright and early Friday to get my work out in followed my a trip down to Columbus, OH to check out the North Market. A local indoor market with tons of vendors offering any where from yummy eats, desserts, breakfast, full meals for lunch or dinner and an assortment of household goods and trinkets. It was such a neat little place, not to big not to small. I really wish we had some thing like this in Clarksville. We have a outdoor market but its only open on Saturday early Spring - late Fall, where as The North Market is open year around. There was a Bakery / Pastry shop that sold Macaroon's. I'd never tried one but I've always wanted to so  picked up to. A Lemon flavored and then Strawberry. I ate them and gave it a fair shot but lets just say I wasn't a fan. Not something I'll be jumping up and down again to get or go out of my way for. A little way's down however was the neatest Donut shop / booth called Delicious Donuts. Let me tell you they did not disappoint at all, they where marvelous and HUGE. I decided on a plain glazed, I mean you can't go wrong with simple and sweet right?!?!? That was until they brought out a tray of Cinnamon rolls that where literally bigger then my face. Ok so I caved and bought both. Let me tell you it was totally with it to!!! After walking around once more making sure we'd seen everything, the large display of Fiestaware as well, (to bad I had all the piece there already, I was really hoping to add to my collection.) we called it a trip and headed back to Delaware. Some of us girls where meeting up for Pedi's (Thursday night when I got in-town my MIL asked if I'd want to go, UMMMM YES PLEASE). It was so nice to have a little girls time out while the guys where prepping for Saturday's big festivities. I was able to have the chance to get to know my FIL cousin and her daughter while being pampered a little, something I never do for myself. I had planned on paying for mine but before I had the chance Lori was kind enough to pick up the bill for all of us. Yall everyone was so incredibly nice and caring the entire time we where there. This was just one of the many things they did for us. We went back to Lori's house for a glass of wine and did a little getting to know each other / catching up on the patio with some yummy snacks.

 A few hours went by and we headed home to get freshened up for dinner. In Delaware they have a thing called First Friday, they shut down the street that runs through downtown (Delaware, OH is really small) and local businesses come out, set up tables to promote their business and bring the community together. We had dinner at a new little Pub / Bar and then walked the street a bit seeing what all was there. I really didn't take to many pictures at all and sadly none this evening. After seeing everything there was we headed back to Pam's house for yet another round of drinks (who am I to complain, keep the wine coming) by the fire. Not realizing what time it was when we decided to go because it was still so day light out but it was already well past 9pm. That was the thing that baffled me the most, it didn't get dark till close to 10pm each evening and both morning and night it was quite chilly. Not something we have right now in TN.

Saturday morning the FIL headed back to Rick and Lori's house to help set up for the BBQ while my MIL and I stayed back finished up some dishes we where taking and helping Aunt Janet with some last minute things she had been working on as well. Shortly after arriving back to where the BBQ was at every one else started slowly coming in. That's when it hit me that I was there with out the hubbs and with so much of his family. Even through he'd never met a soul of them it was still a bit sad and overwhelming not having him there. I did have a great time though and everyone again was so sweet and caring. Asking a million questions, simply trying to get to know Me, Us and Our Story. I didn't mind at all though I love love sharing our story, talking about our life together. Plus it totally gives me a reason / the chance to brag on my amazing husband :). Several hours went bye and many plates of yummy food later and we finally found ourselves cleaning up and preparing for a evening of Fireworks later. When Cathy (my MIL) first told me how the families 4th of July Holiday tradition went I couldn't help but chuckle. All of the left over food is packaged up and put in coolers. Everyone heads home for a nap meets back up at a local field at 7pm. I figured a few people would show back up, after all it had already been a really long day. Nope just about everyone came. We gather around in our chairs and socialize for the next several hours waiting until the firework show started. That umm didn't start till it got dark at 10pm "TEN-pm" people. Crazy. The left over food is brought to munch on through the evening and works out really well because no one has to worry about going hungry or bringing food with them. This people are pro's at it to. They foil wrap the burgers and dogs in the buns ahead of time so they are easily dispersed. You can tell they've done this a time of two.
The fire work show was simply amazing. One of the best Ive been to for sure and it lasted for a good 45 minutes, it might have even been longer. The fun part came when it was time to leave. Walking to our car was no problem but getting out of the parking lot was another story. YIKES.

 Sunday morning the In-Loves and I got up bright and early and had breakfast on the Patio at a local Diner called Hamburger Inn, in downtown Delaware. It was most definitely a bittersweet breakfast, I love any and every minute I get to spend with them but this breakfast was followed with a tearful "Goodbye" as they headed on the road to make their 30 hour drive back to AZ, while I stayed back in OH for another day and a half visiting and catching up with a few friends.
I headed back to Aunt Janet's house and decided to clear my head by going on a run. What was suppose to only have been a 3-5 mile run turned into a 10 mile run with a "Oh Crap" moment in the middle because I had to go to the bathroom somethings fierce (because of the huge breakfast I'd just eaten) and there was no bathrooms around to be found. I was turned around in the middle of a residential area and only knew how to get back which was back tracking my route. I paused my run, taking a moment to gather myself on the side of the road. I was determined to make it back and finish out my at that point planned 10 miles. I did it, it might not have been pretty but I finished and had a pretty stellar time and pace. I spent the rest of the afternoon at the house just relaxing and hanging out. That evening I headed back out to Columbus, OH for dinner with one of our sweet friends from Hawaii. Tara and I met through a mutual friend shortly after I started working at the CDC on post and clicked right away. We've stayed in touch over the years as she moved back from HI to TX and now recently back home to OH. We where able to pick right up, it was so great catching up with her in person and just to hear how great she has been doing.

I ended my evening with a little Custard in downtown Delaware. It was pretty tasty!!! 

Monday morning was another early morning for me, up to get my workout it and pack up the car. I had plans to meet up with some of our best friends from our Hawaii days back in Columbus. Jamie and Anthony where the first people I met when I went to Hawaii. I stayed with them when I went out before the hubbs and I where even married. He was in a sense their (at the time) 2nd child. The 3 of them, including their daughter Jessica did everything together. After the guys first deployment Anthony made the decision to get out of the Army and move home. It was heart breaking because I we did everything together. We where always at their house and they where always at ours. Beach and dinner trips, random shopping adventures and outings. We've kept in good touch through FB, phone and texting over the past 6 years but haven't had the chance to meet up and get together. So when I found out I was going to be in OH and so close to them I just knew we had to meet up. We met for breakfast at Bob Evan's. It was my first time there and let me tell you it didn't disappoint, it was pretty fabulous. A little back story, Jamie and Anthony left Hawaii with two girls. Jamie had their 2nd daughter right before the guys deployed. Now fast forward 6 years and they've added TWO more kids to the mix making it a grand total of 4 kiddos. CRAZY!!!!! 3 girls and the youngest a boy. They are all so cute and Jessica the oldest is almost 16 which is crazy for me to even think she can be that old. After breakfast we went down to the Ohio State Campus and walked around a bit checking it out, taking a few pictures. We ventured over to a local park and hung out there for a while. The weather was perfect and Jessica had brought her Violin and serenaded us while we continued to visit and catch up. Before to long our parking meters where up and I needed to get on the road to head back to TN. Another heart breaking "Goodbye" not knowing when we'd see each other again. Soon I hope, the plan is to, plan a trip once the hubbs gets home from deployment for us all to meet up for a weekend of camping.

A quick stop back at North Market for a treat and lunch before getting on the road to head home. A 6 and a half hour drive ahead of me I needed something to get me through. I had the best time, it was a nice relaxing weekend filled with family, friends and delicious foods. I can't wait to do it again next year for the 4th.

Epic Fail :(

Last weekend I went with Sarah to the Pottery Room to do a little painting. I wasn't sure what I wanted to paint and quickly remembered, I was in need of a gift for the In-Loves. This seemed perfect since lets face it we really don't need any more platters ourselves. We are having Christmas lunch / dinner at their house so we'd be able to use it then. I went back Yesterday to pick it up (turn around time is abt a week) on my way to a friends house. I was so excited about it and couldn't wait to show it off. It wasn't until I was literally walking out of the store that I realized I totally messed up. 

I spelled MY OWN LAST NAME WRONG!!!!!

How in the world did this happen, I stenciled the letters out ahead of time. Looked over it several times to make sure spacing and spelling was perfect. Clearly I didn't look good enough. I probably write make last name at least once if not more a day. We've been together 8 years, I have it tattooed on my ankle, I have it Monogrammed around my house. How in the world. Maybe it was my nerve's that got to me. Being in a new place, a new friend, not wanting to make a fool of myself. I don't know. 

I laugh about it now, but am still so annoyed with myself. 

I still plan on giving it to them as a gift and seeing how long it takes them to notice it. I sent a picture to the hubbs last night and he didn't notice it till I asked him if he saw anything wrong. 

Heck I'm sure it will make for a great conversation piece for the years to come. 

Daughter-in-Law of the year award right here people. 

"Christmas 2014"

The In-Loves Came to Town!!!

The In-Loves came to visit for the week, so we had the chance to show them around were we live and the Nashville area. Our first our of state visitors. Hey any reason for me to take off work right!!!! We had a few things planned already and then kinda of just went with the flow on other days. I absolutely love the In-Loves, they are so sweet and do so much to help us when they are here. It's always a great time when they come to visit. I didn't end up taking many pictures while they were here but here are a few. 

Breakfast at one of our Favorite places!!!! 

Loveless Cafe

I ventured out of my box and got the fabulous Chicken and Waffles with their Home Fries. Seriously did not disappoint. The money is in their biscuits though, down right mouth watering. I bought another package of batter to bring back with us, along with their fried chicken batter. 

"Somebodies gonna slap your momma its so good!!!" 

(Our good friend Big E always say's that, so it seemed fitting)

After breakfast we headed over to the Antique Archaeology Store, other wise known as American Pickers. We love that show and just so happens the In-Loves do to. I will say I was not as impressed with it as I though I would be. I'm not really sure what I was expecting to see but at least I can save we've been. 

That was followed up by a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame. A must see for any one coming to the Nashville area right. It was nice, pretty big again I was expecting more but I can say I've been and have absolutely no desire to go back. Unless we have visitors again of course. Oh and I had so show my love for Cola!!! 

Oh and why not completely take advantage of my Mother-In-Love offering to take our picture every were we went. Oh why yes, we'd be glad to pose for you. My favorite of the three is the one in the middle. I swear he smiles, just not for the camera most days. 

We did and saw so much more this was just a little peak into our week with them here.

Of course with all good things they must come to a end and so the stay-cation for us and the vacation for them was over. Not with out a stop at Dunkin on the way to the Airport though. I can't wait for them to come back out to visit, we always have such a relaxing fun time and they are seriously the easiest house guest ever!!! 

My 1st Mint Hot Chocolate of the season!!!! 

Snow Day in Asheville!!

We took a day trip with the In-Loves to The Grove Park Inn, in Asheville North Carolina to see the National Gingerbread Houses from the Gingerbread Competition. It was a beautiful day, no rain or ugly clouds like the day before so that was nice. When we got into Asheville the temps. starting dropping right away. It went from 50 something to low 40's almost in the 30's. I was not prepared for that type of coldness. As we drove in the Inn / Resort area it's self we noticed may cars and houses covered in snow. We looked closer and notice little snow flurries coming down from the sky. It was very light but still so neat to see. I hadn't see snow in forever so it was much like a "awh WOW" moment. I managed to get a few pictures before we left the resort to head home but I was to caught up in looking at how beautiful the area was and the snow coming down that I completely forgot to get my camera out. 

Headed in to the Resort we made our way around looking at all the different Gingerbread houses. 

My Nene Loves Nut Crackers and we always get her one for Christmas each year. She has quite the collection. So when I saw this guy standing in the hall, I had to get a picture for her. 

Enjoy the view outside, which didn't last to long because it was so cold. I really could have gone for a nice cup of hot chocolate right about then. 

Not only was the inside of the resort beautiful but the outside was amazing. I am def. coming back in the spring time so we can spend more time here. 

Below are the Gingerbread house Finalist. They were beautiful and so detailed. All the way down to the expressions on their faces and the details on each and every piece. 

SNOW!!!!!!!

 Baby its Snowing outside!!!! 

Sometimes I say I wanna live some were, where it snows in the winter but then other times I don't think I would like having to deal with it. It's fun to play in but I'm sure it can be a pain in the butt. 

Burrr, Baby IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!!!!! We walked back down to the bottom of the resort, about a half mile walk or so (not long at all) but it was FREEZING. My face and hands were so cold and red, of course I forgot my gloves and hat at home. 

We had a great little trip, stopped at PF Changs on the way home for dinner and had lots of quality time together :) on the way there and back. 

Christmas Day!!

It's so hard to believe that its already Christmas Day, seems like just a few weeks ago it was summer. The morning started off with breakfast in the oven. I love meals that you prep the night before only to pop in the oven the next morning. Then of course the traditional picture in front of our Christmas tree. I love that the In-Loves were able to be here for Christmas to celebrate with us. We always have so much fun when we are all together.  

One last picture of our beautiful tree Christmas morning!!! We've added the gate around the bottom, it has been in the hubbs family for over 30 years. The hubby's parents mailed it to us last week. They have another one that has been in the family for 75 years. We are going to switch this one out for the older one because the hubbs likes that one more. I was kinda hesitant about it at first but I really really like it. It completes the tree and makes it look really neat. 

Hubby played Santa and passed every ones gifts out to them before we opened them. They we went in a circle and opened one at a time, one after another. I like doing it this way, this allows everyone to see and enjoy in the excitement of what you are opening. (plus it last's longer)

Just a few of the goodies the hubs got for Christmas this year. 

Checking out his Stocking Stuffers, Shooting Shock Timer, Handle Grip for his rifle and Ammo Reloading Dies. 

All on his wish list!!! What a lucky boy!!!

 This girl got her very first KitchenAid for Christmas. I never had any desire to have one until about two weeks or so ago when the hubbs started asking me about one. It was then I started doing a little research on them and COLORS. I was totally sold once I found this fabulous Raspberry Ice color KitchenAid. I HAD to have it. I researched every possible website to find the best deal,  I sent him the link were I found it on aafe's with a coupon discount code. Really what more do you need. :) I love it, its beautiful and I seriously don't know how I went this long with out one. 
fssGgG  The hubbs is wanted to start reloading Ammo for shooting. I was hesitant on him doing it only because its really time consuming but its something he really wants to do. I don't know what I didn't think about it before, but it hit me like 5 days before Christmas. GET HIM A RELOADER for Christmas, hello talk about the perfect gift. I waited till after we had breakfast, cleaned up the living room and set up my KitchenAid before I gave it to him. I had it hid up in my closet, it was a pretty good surprise because he wasn't expecting it at all. Wife of the year award here please :). 

Just a few of the gifts I got from the hubbs and Spouse. I never take my house keys with me when I go some were with the hubbs. Why? Because he always has his so why do I need mine. Well he always gets so annoyed with it, for whatever reason is beyond me. lol So he bought me a key chain so I'll take them with me. Its a really pretty one from Coach, ok so I "might" start taking my keys with me......we will see. lol. My current MacBook Pro is / was on its last leg so he got me a new one. My Spouse also sent me the cutest two picture frames. One with a heart cut out and inside was a map of Dallas, which included the area were we got married. The other one said "Home is Where Your Story begins" with a map of the island of Hawaii. I absolutely LOVED them both. 

Pictures from the Spouse, MAHALO Spouse I love them!!!!!

A few more of the goodies I got from the hubbs and the In-Loves. More Fiestaware, cooking spices, picture frame, K-cup holder (to replace our current one, in order to set up the kitchenaid) hand help blender mixer thingy and matching pink eye and ear pro for when we go shooting. 

I always have to borrow eye and ear pro from the range when we go because I don't have my own like the hubbs. Since he's been trying to teach me to be a better shooter and have home self defense training when it comes to shooting I was excited about these. The ear pro band has really good cushion so I wont get head aches, like before. I love that he got pink to, he's so good to me. 

Oh yes it didn't take long to break out the KitchenAid and put it to use. Making the filling for Keefel cookies, I'm love my new toy :) Grown up toys are so fun!!!! 

We spent the afternoon making cookies and then preparing for our Christmas dinner we were having. We were also having over two of our friends for dinner (the ones we went to visit last night (Christmas eve)), so there was lots to do. They'd never been to our house before so of course I had to make sure everything was in its place and perfect. I'm kinda OCD when it comes to our home. 

My kitchen was a MESS after making these but I had so much fun!!!!

Raspberry Ice KitchenAid + Keefles = a Happy Couple!!!! added bonus = a perfect Christmas!!!!

Christmas Dinner ready to serve!!!! Honey Baked Ham & Turkey, Stuffing, Rolls, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, Bacon Cheesy Mash Potatoes and Gravy. Yummy in my Tummy!!! Everyone seemed to enjoy dinner, the best part is we still have some left overs. 

I just love this time of year, we had a great Christmas celebration. Many Memories Made!!!! 

I really can't believe it's come and gone either though and now its another 365 days till we get to do it all over again. Until them Merry Christmas / Mele Kalikimaka from our Family / Ohana to yours!!!!