{WHW}: A New Year!

Happy New Year (and a day) friends!
I hope that your holiday season was everything you expected and more.
Ours got off to a bumpy start with Ella getting the stomach bug on Wednesday before Christmas and then MG and I both coming down with it within 2 hours of each other on Friday. I've never been so miserable, and the fact that neither of us was 100% to take care of Ella was SO hard. Literally took turns caring for her and puking. It was one of the most miserable days/nights I've had in my life.

Cut to Sunday and Ella got pink eye...for the SECOND TIME in 2 weeks. And then woke up on Christmas Eve at 5:50 am. So we got up, ate and packed the car, and got on the road and were at my in-laws' house by 10:30am.

We had an amazing Christmas with Ella. Last year was fun but this year was even better because she got to actually open presents and play with the things that she got. And this girl got A LOT! 
One of many many many gifts
In front of my SIL's tree with our oldest niece, prior to the gift bonanza that ensued
Ella's new ball pit and tunnel
Laughing at the family entertaining her
My BIL's and I call ourselves The Outcasts, and we all happened to win our fantasy football leagues this year.
We're also known for our fun pics and this was no exception. Love my BIL's
Me with my SIL's
The adult table
The reaction to our painting gift
We spent 5 days with MG's family which was so much fun, and the best part was that MG arranged for us to have a night away, just us, and my SIL, MIL and niece watched Ella. She was an angel for them (so apparently she CAN keep her toddler-ness under control haha), and we had a phenomenal night out, walked around the city, revisited the place we got engaged, did some shopping, relaxed at the hotel, had a dinner out, and then my other SIL and BIL met up with us for drinks and we stopped by a pop up Christmas bar. SO fun!
Where we got engaged, in front of Independence Hall
Out to dinner, kid free!
Tinsel Christmas bar with my sister-in-law
He's my favorite :)
We had some low key, hang out nights and just enjoyed being with everyone. We definitely realize the benefits of living close to family, having the extra help when you need it, and people who love you, and your kid. The pull to move to PA is strong.

It was nice to get away from the sicknesses we were dealing with. The last 2 months of the year were not our easiest. Life's given us some challenges, but being with family helped us heal even more. I'm thankful for our people...friends and family who love us, lift us up when we need it, pray for us...it's a blessing. I'm hopeful for 2019. The healing has been happening and I'm ready to look forward to the gifts that a new year will bring.

Link up with us and share what's been hap-"pinning" with you!



12 comments:

  1. I’m so sorry y’all ended up getting it, too. That is the absolute worst. But the reaction to the painting is precious. Well done! Happy 2019, friend!

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  2. I hope 2019 brings you health, happiness, and JOY!!! XOXO, R

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  3. I'm so sorry that you guys were all sick, but glad that everyone was healthy enough to enjoy christmas!! Here's to a healthy 2019! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  4. Happy New Year, and let's hope for a 2019 free of pink eye!

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  5. I am so sorry you got the crud, but so glad you hung with family. I see a move in your future lady.

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  6. oh no to all the sickness! how awful my sweet friend. glad you guys got through it and managed to enjoy some holiday time with family. nothing like being close to them! hope you have a wonderful 2019 :)
    xoxo cheshire kat

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  7. Ugh getting sick at Christmas is the worst! My whole (read 12 of us) got it a few years ago. I am so glad you salvaged the holiday and had an amazing time in PA!

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  8. Wishing you happiness and blessings in 2019!!!!

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  9. Boo to the sickness!!! Wishing you all a very Happy 2019!

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  10. Love the fun photo of you and your BIL. Other than the stomach bug that got all 3 of you sick (that is the worst!), it sounds like you had a fun and merry Christmas with family. Wishing you the best for 2019 xo

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  11. I think you'd love being up here.

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  12. I am glad your family loved that painting. It really was beautiful. I hope you all are feeling better. Getting sick around the holidays is awful. Love all the Christmasy photos!

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