Christmas Weekend Recap

It was great to catch up with some friends at Sean's Annual "No More Holiday Parties Party" and then see the McAuliffe's at their party.

Me, Steph, Mariel at Sean's

Steph, Sean, me, Mariel

On Sunday, Steph and I went to Kelly's to see Lilly and go to lunch. Lilly is just the cutest and growing so fast!

Having some applesauce

The cutest pic of Lilly & Paul

Me, Kel, Lilly, Steph

John left for SF on Sunday afternoon, my family and I headed to dinner with the Perrigo's so great to see all of them! We have spent Christmas together my entire life and pre-kids for the adults. :)

Mom, Jules, Courty

Perrigo's & Fully's

Monday was spent shopping and hanging with Courty, then I left for SF early Tuesday morning only to be suprised that my office was closed on the 31st so one day work week for me! :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than a week ago, we were reminded how fragile life is. A tragic loss of John's friend, Charley, broke the hearts of so many. John is headed back to Seattle on Saturday for his service. Wellnitz family, we are thinking and praying for all of you. We will never forget Charley's presence and smile. Never let a moment pass to let someone know you love them, hug them and smile.

Christmas Eve & Christmas

This time of year is just the best! We are so blessed to spend it with family and friends. On Christmas Eve, my mom, Courty and I always get pedis in the morning. Then we head downtown to draw names, have an hour and a budget to find a gift, then meet for lunch to exchange. We usually do this with the Perrigos but they couldn't come this year so we had dinner on Sunday night..

My dad & Courty at Christmas Eve lunch

For Christmas Eve, we celebrate with the O'Brien side. Katie & Pat, thank you so much for hosting and Pam for cooking! Can't wait to celebrate next year with our nephew! Katie & Pat are having a boy!

Bill, Matt and Brooke opening presents

Katie loved her bear for baby from Uncle John

John's presents had a definite theme this year

John & Brooke

On Christmas day, we open presents, have brunch, then head to the movies. We saw "Up In The Air" which the first five minutes were my dad. Then the Donovans and the Evans' families came over for the most delicious prime rib dinner. We played catch phrase and laughed till we cried. It was wonderful!

John opening stockings and presents

Riley trying to find his hidden toy

Slowing down on gift opening

The best pj's ever!!!

How cute!

Courty's beautiful gift to John & me, handmade with love! :)

Sissys

Enjoying dinner

All the kids at dinner - John, me, Courty, Stacy, Jake and Alex

I hope your holiday was filled with love and laughter. Thank you to our friends and family for making this one so joyful! Love you all!

Happy Birthday Anne!

Happy Birthday to my dear friend Anne! I know this next year is full of excitement as you move into your new home!!! Wish we could have been together to celebrate you! Love you!

Happy Birthday to Mary too! Hope you had a great day!

Twas the week before Christmas...

On Monday night, Court came over for dinner and then we headed out with my dad on the boat for the Christmas Ships. One of my most favorite things to do on the holidays and we were unable to do it last year because of all the snow. Amazing as always!!

On Tuesday, the entire fam went downtown for dinner and to see a "White Christmas." We ate a John's favorite spot for interactive dining, Benihana, then headed to the show, which was just wonderful. At the end, they shower the audience with snow!

On our way home we met up with Steph & George, Andrew, and Sean for a couple beers

On Wednesday, John, Mike Abel (in town from D.C.), Courty and I headed to the 16th Annual Holiday "Gala" at the Sorrento Hotel. Such fun to see some old friends and hang with Matt & Brooke.

Sisters

Me, Courty, Brooke, John

Parties, Parties, Parties...

I love this time of year! From the moment I arrived home it has been filled with holiday goodness! Friday, the girls and I had our annual ornament exchange (Mac and Sara Ray we missed you)! Then we headed to celebrate Marci's 30th, who looks amazing for having a 3 month old at home!

Court, Char, E and me after our dinner

Court, Char, E, Gina and Jessica

Mary, Justine, me, Marci

Group shot!

Saturday, I finally got to see Kelsey and went for a walk around Greenlake with Loki, her adorable dog. In the evening, we headed north for Brooke & Matt's engagement party. Such a wonderful evening and amazing holiday decor! Brooke's mom goes all out and we were all amazed!

The happy couple!

O'Brien siblings with Marion & Pop

Courty, Matt and my mom

Brooke, her dad, Tom, and brother Tommy toasting

Mom enjoying all of Christie's decorations

We had brunch on Sunday morning with John's grandparents at his mom's. Sunday night was our family party with all the family friends when all the "kids" are home! Such a great time and wonderful to see everyone! We missed Stacy but will see her on Christmas!


Sisters

Corky, me, John, sis, Will

Courty and Martha

My Odland girls - I was lucky enough to be their nanny for 8 years - Erin, Ashley, Jen, and Katie

All the "kids" all grown up - back row: Casey, Jeff, Corky, Jake, Johnny, Laura, John, Will (hiding)Front row: Ash, Taylor, Jen, Courty, Alex, Katie, me, John

Stacy & Jake, we missed you both!

All the adults!

Now off to see the Christmas ships!

A very sweet letter...

This was sent to me by one of the families I have the honor to work with. They have started an amazing foundation in memory of their son, Nicholas, who lost his battle with leukemia over four years ago.

This letter is to Nicholas from his best friend, Joey, and just reminded me of the magic of children and Christmas.

http://www.nicholascolbyfund.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=uv243rewRtQ%3d&tabid=449

Recap of Pam's Visit & Dress Search

We had such a wonderful visit with John's mom, Pam, last week. She spoiled us rotten with chili, cherry tarts, cookies, prime rib and french dips! John definitely loves his mom's cooking and is missing it already! Pam was lucky to have dry weather during the week to explore and do some shopping in SF. Friday night, we had John's company holiday party. True to the PR world style, it was held at an SF nightclub and we had a great time dancing with his coworkers. John was also pulled into the company skit Outcast "Glee" Club after the TV show. He was fabulous but I am forbidden to post the pics or video here! :)

Steph arrived on Saturday in search of her wedding dress! After a couple places, it was found! It was the one she flew down here to try on and is amazing! No pics but there will be plenty next October!

Pam and me at the holiday party

John & His mom

Steph in the pouring rain, even she agreed it rains so much harder in SF

We hiked on Sunday morning after croissants & coffee

With my Stephie!

Pam, thank you so much for your visit! It was wonderful to spend time with you!

Steph, thank you so much for allowing me to share in such a special experience! It is AMAZING!

I promised decor pics so here are couple...

Our little tree

Our front entry

Have a great week!