It's been a whirlwind since I got into town on Friday!
As soon as I unloaded the car at my parents' house I ran downtown to visit my Mom and her friends at work. Then it was off to the airport to collect my brother (and avoid the weirdo from high school who was on his flight).
On Saturday my brother and I
finally saw the last
Twilight movie. We both agreed it was the best one by far. I won't be so ashamed when I add it to my collection. Ha!
On Sunday my brother and I were up and out early to beat the crowds at Target. Our family does "picks" every year (every person has a secret person to buy for at a particular store with a spending limit) and we both had to get our shopping done at Target. I also got a few things for work (I mean, can anyone go into Target and only get what they went in for?) We stopped by the mall after that, but nothing was open yet so we just came home.
Sunday also happened to be Christmas Eve Eve which means we were at Dairy Queen for dinner! We ate bad food and definitely had dessert. Then we drove through Christmas Lane and eventually came home.
Monday (yesterday) was Christmas Eve. We started and ended the day with a walk. In the morning for exercise, at night to look at lights. We ate a traditional late lunch at Red Lobster. We watched
The Descendants as a family (thumbs up all around!).
Today has been bittersweet. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with my family, but something - someone - is missing. We were all up by 8:30 and ate a delicious breakfast (french toast and bacon) prepared by my dad. Then we exchanged our "pick" gifts. We all got some great things! Finally we tackled the pile of presents under the tree.
My haul: Phillip Phillips' CD, a Lego set, a Vera Bradley tote, a workout jacket, a "I heart NY" t-shirt, some Hawaiian chocolate, some dark chocolate, more pieces for my nativity (from the in-laws), a western snowman decoration, an Old Navy giftcard, a couple children's books, a stuffed animal, some lottery tickets (all losers),
Deadwood: Season 1, and a Jeopardy page-a-day calendar.
Mom just put dinner (baked ziti and garlic bread followed by homemade apple pie) in the oven and we should be eating by 5:30. My brother and I tried to go see
Les Mis this afternoon, but every show was sold out until tonight. We didn't want to spend his last night in town at the movies, so we'll both have to see it another time. Bummer! I already put my Lego house together and just finished listening to PP's CD (sounded good!).
I have talked to Brian almost everyday since he left. He is finally in his permanent room and met his roommate. Internet is set up and he can talk to me using his own computer. His room even came with a TV and cable. There were cheese and butter sculptures in the DFAC and he had a good meal. He's doing ok, as am I. We're hanging in there. It's still completely unfair that we have yet to spend two consecutive Christmases together, but that's the Army for ya.
My in-laws are (apparently) celebrating Christmas at my SIL's house. I was not invited. She posted about it on FB. That's how I found out about it. My feelings were hurt. I got sad and down on myself and my mom had to talk me out of it. I just don't understand.
My brother leaves tomorrow. I'll be really sad to see him go. He's my built-in best friend. He's the best shopping partner, too.
Christmas 2012 has come and gone. I can't believe we're already at the end of the year. Where did the time go?
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and were able to enjoy time with loved ones!
