Holiday Recap and New Years Stuff

I'm back after a brief holiday hiatus.

And, I have to first say, "Wow."

 How is it already the last day of 2012? I realized it was coming yesterday and was completely stunned.

The past week off has been amazing and has done nothing but FLY by! Christmas at my parents house was really nice--we spent some quality time together, cooked Xmas Eve dinner together and just enjoyed the holiday season. 

My ride up to Philly on the train went smoothly (altho, let me tell you, there are some VERY interesting people on the train when you travel on Xmas day--I wish I had been able to take pics), and I got there in time for dinner and presents. Two of MG's nieces and his nephew got me gifts which was really sweet and unexpected. MG's sisters, brothers-in-law and he and I all did a Secret Santa with one another too which was fun. Let's just say, it took us a little bit of time to load up our car with all of the presents! 

While in Philly, we saw Django Unchained. I was a little hesitant to go cuz I wasn't sure I could handle the movie and it's 2 hours and 45 minutes! But, it was REALLY good. There were parts that I had trouble watching (I'm not the person who can watch someone being beaten, etc) but the entire movie was SO good. I didn't look at my watch once the entire time! Totally recommend it.

After lots of relaxation, sleeping in, family time, presents, a massage, and fun with the kiddos, MG and I headed back to DC on Friday. But, our gift to his parents was a night at the Hay-Adams hotel in DC which overlooks the White House, and they came down on Saturday to partake. Boy, was that hotel nice!! The view was incredible and the room was stunning.

Top Left: view at night of the White House/National Monument during sunset. Top Right: the elegant bed; Bottom left: window-pane view of the White House in the afternoon; Middle Bottom: white chocolate White House left in the room at night; Bottom Right: the intricate ceiling of the hotel room

As if you couldn't tell, the hotel was insanely nice. The hallways even felt like we were in the Titanic! After reveling at how awesome the room was, we went to see the National Christmas tree and then had dinner in the city at a restaurant called 701 which was really delish, and the coffee that we had after dinner is some of the best we've ever tasted! The service there was also stellar--couldn't have asked for a better staff and overall experience.

And somehow, today, we're celebrating the end of one incredible year and the start of another one.  We'll be out to dinner with a big group of people and then over to a smaller gathering with two of our good couple friends. Can't think of a more perfect way to ring in the new year!

I can't believe how amazing 2012 has been and I can't wait to see what fun adventures 2013 has in store!

Totally in love with this picture from the weekend :)

Here's to a happy, healthy and fun-filled new year!

Cheers!

Oh, and....

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!!! 

So proud :)