(Just an FYI – This is a very long post. I write this blog so one day I can go back and read this and relive all our adventures and share them with our children. Fair warning that it’s a long and detailed account of our Christmas so now you can proceed reading.)
A couple months ago a very sad girl was trying to convince her husband, in between crying, gasps, and sobs that she would be ok if they spent Christmas in NY. I tried to reason that we could Skype, we had each other, and we had good friends here who would never let us spend the day alone. For some reason I was not very convincing? A little Christmas miracle, help from my generous parents and in-laws, and we were able to fly home to California. Spending Christmas with those I love most, my kind, generous, kinda crazy, but crazy lovable family was my favorite present of all!
Glenn and I are those seemingly crazy people who treat their dogs like their children. So the two of us packed our suitcases, our Christmas presents, a Chihuahua, and a Maltese and off to the airport we went. I was a little worried that Rocky, our energetic Chihuahua puppy would cause a ruckus on the airplane. He was perfect, both puppies slept from take-off to landing! In fact the only hiccup we had with them was accidentally almost x-raying them at security. We didn’t know we were supposed to take our dogs out of the crate until someone yelled to stop the machine, woops!
These exhausted travelers finally rounded out their day with a bed time that was 5:00 AM in New York the next day! Fighting off my zombie like jet lag was not easy, but became much easier when shopping was involved. In typical CA fashion it was sunny and in the 60’s in December, so we enjoyed it by shopping at the Folsom Outlets with my sweet mother in law.
Our first Christmas as Newlyweds means the decision over how do we now divide our time between two families? I was literally terrified that we were going to hurt someone’s feelings by not spending enough time with them. Glenn being the baby and last to get married meant his family was used to sharing by now. I however, was the first to get married in my family, and this idea of sharing their daughter was still a foreign concept. To add to an already difficult decision Glenn’s entire family was all together for the holidays for the first time in basically forever. Lots of back and forth between Cameron Park and Elk Grove, and I think everyone was happy. Thank goodness! I don’t wish that kind of stress on anyone!
So after being in CA for 24 hours we made our way down the hill to Elk Grove. My mom was outside waiting for us before I stepped foot out of the car. And I’m not sure if my dad was more excited about seeing me or Rocky? LOL, Rocky was practically giddy too, he definitely remembered his grandpa mark! After a happy reunion, Rocky getting acquainted with my family’s new puppy Kona, hours of chatting, and a quick visit to Santa Claus it was bedtime. My mom had to reassure my dad that it’s ok Glenn and I slept in the same room. There is a weird sensation about sleeping in the room you grew up in with your husband! I knew Glenn was allowed in there, and yet I still felt like I was being naughty. All I could think about was the last time I slept in here was the night before our wedding.
During our visit with Santa the night before he requested his elves assist him with some special deliveries, so along with my Dad and Kona these elves helped the jolly old fellow spread some Christmas cheer. I was able to spend the afternoon having some quality daddy and daughter time. Crazy sushi how I have missed you, and manicures! In the evening Rebekah stole away her favorite bro-in-law for a date! She had been planning this for weeks, it was pretty dang cute how excited they both were. My Mom and I stayed home for the annual Christmas ornament exchange. Handmade ornaments, snacks, and a photo shoot with one of my longest and best friends Jeannette made for a good night! And sadly, the end of another day.
Thursday was friend’s day. We knew it would be way to much trouble trying to drive around and visit all our friends. So we enticed them to come to us with apple cider, Christmas goodies, mustaches, sweaters, and a game night. I really missed all my friends, and it was so nice to see and catch up and be a little silly. It’s one of those times that I actually felt kind of old. Just knowing that we’re all at stages in our lives where CA is the place where we visit and we are all scattered across the country now. I know the times I’ll get to see my friends are few and far between and I really enjoyed seeing some of my all time favorite people.
Friday meant another trip up the hill to CP. One of Glenn’s family traditions is a Christmas day movie. Since Christmas fell on a Sunday we went to see Sherlock Homes that night instead. Saturday Glenn and I ate at our all time favorite place for breakfast, Tower Café. There famous French toast soaked overnight in custard has been in my dreams lately! The rest of the day was spent cooking for the Fox Family Christmas Eve party. Then back down the hill to open Christmas Eve jammies with my family. I love being married, I do! Although I have to admit I did miss a beloved tradition with Rebekah, you just can’t do Christmas Eve slumber parties when you are married.
Christmas Day! I knew when I woke up that morning that waking up anywhere else would have made me sad, and Glenn was right to get me out to CA. We were able to open stockings, and eat our bagels and salmon lox then off to church. It was nice going to church and saying hi to good ole LC3 ward. Then home to open presents. I feel like every year we have more and more presents under this tree. I think the feeling is mutual that we all really enjoy buying presents for each other. Other than coming home my favorite present would have to be a Garmin from my parents. I’m so directionally challenged, and now I won’t be so nervous to drive in NY. In addition, I got 5 pairs of slippers, lots of clothes, and our puppies got some new sweaters. After a delicious dinner, it was time to head back up to CP one final time to say goodbye to the Fox Family. It was up until this point that I was succeeding in my attempt to keep emotions in check. My Grandma was my first goodbye of the night, and I just lost it. All of a sudden I felt like our trip was over, and I didn’t know the next time we would get to come back, and I started missing everyone so much already. It took the entire 45 min drive to CP to calm down, and I am a very puffy eyed girl in the Fox Family photo. Then back down to EG for goodbyes with my family. The goodbyes didn’t get easier, in fact it was just harder! My Dad and Uncle Steve drove us to San Francisco where we arrived to spend all night in the airport. I was sitting there all alone (Glenn was taking the puppies potty) in the airport at 1:00 AM and a man walks by and said Merry Christmas, suddenly I start bawling again! I think just pure exhaustion, leaving our family, and a 24 hour travel day in front of us was just too much for me at that point. Now we’re back home in NY and I promise to my mother who is surely reading this that we are happy here. I’m just horrible with goodbyes. Til next time California, we’ll miss you!
