So, this is Christmas.

I did not put up a Christmas tree this year.  Michele and I have been so all over the place during the last month, with her finishing school (woot!) and my fighting Crohn's.  Let alone grasping for last minute Christmas gifts.  BUT, a couple of days ago, I walked out of my room and our entire apartment was full of small Holiday touches!  Totally made the week warmer.  

I put up labels in Spanish last month all over our apartment to help Michele learn the language.

( um, this is where we keep the plates)

Her decorations are much prettier. 

Hobbit Chic.

Today, I am in Rhode Island with my Godparents and cousins.  We Skyped with the rest of our family and stuffed our faces with a ridiculous amount of Italian food.  Then, my cousin Erik broke out the Mead.  Some of us are drunk now, some just gassy.  Yep, it's Christmas.  

Jingle Bell Wreck

I spent Sunday night in the home of a great friend, with lots of other friends, being friendly.  I don't know if it was the wine, over indulgence of Christmas cookies and two apple pies, or the canned whipped cream that had an alcohol percentage... But I laughed.  Hard.

Danny and Maia started the gingerbread house.

She's craftier than most.

The rest of the group did our best to contribute...

I'd climb into an oven for this, too. 

Screw the breadcrumbs.

And then, the music.

We call him Bobby.  You can call him great.

Ugly sweater parties are too 'now'.  We have sing-a-longs.  

With multiple pianos and regular voice-cracking.

I don't know which of us looks more uncomfortable, Michele or myself.

All in all, the first party of the Holiday Season went swimmingly.

The whipped cream hangovers did not.

Buon Natale!!