Merry Christmas

It's probably bad form to start my Christmas post with-we lost Gabby this fall.  But its pretty obvious this photo has only 3 dogs.  We all miss her dearly.

Compare "J" s swirly house to "T's" spartan one.  On his house we see a gingerbread boy jumping off the roof. 

 This seems to be a favorite napping spot for the pets this year.

"T" had a gift exchange with his buddies.

I honestly don't have a place to put my big pumpkins.  So this seemed like the best solution.

More Thanksgiving decorations were sitting in the living room.  I turned this Cushaw Pumpkin into a delicious pie.

"T" decided to express is creativity making this box for his Lit class.  Apparently he was a dessert wandere or something.  He made it from "scratch" so to speak.

What I wake up to every morning. 

 "J" upped her wrapping game this year.  She is in charge of all wrapping from now on.

Someone is feeling left out.

Grandpa is thrilled that Benny finally likes him.

 Hey Grandpa...I like petting too.

Grandma loved her blanket. 

 And Cleo loved her new toy.

 Auntie sent lovely flowers for the table.

  No one opens gifts Christmas morning unless I get a photo.

 "J"s tree

Punta Cana

Where was I...Oh yes I was relaxing in Cap Cana, DR.  

Every morning the birthday girl's butler made sure we had out chairs saved.

Every night was a new restaurant.  At this place they made all the food in front of you and danced and played LOUD music.  Like so loud in fact that I had to return to my room to get ear plugs. That almost makes me feel old.

Each course had an accompanying cocktail.  I won't exactly say they were "paired" to the dish.  It was a fun concept that lacked a little in the execution. Thus all the cocktails.  Drink them all and you will definitely have a good time. 

Like the good moms we are, we inquired about this young lady's well being.  She was working so hard from morning to night. She assured us she was finishing her last semester of college and on her way to becoming an accountant.  Moms like to hear that.

 Moms also like late night tacos

 Some of the private chalets.

 This little lady came along to creep out my friend who HATES elves.  Birthdays are FUN!

 Another night-another fabulous dinner.

 There may have been dancing on the beach.

I think these places are "adults only"  because no ones kids will let them live this down.  So we gotta keep it on the downlow.

Can you imagine it.  "Mom!  OMG.  Stop dancing! MOM! You are SOOOO embarrassing. I'm going back to the room.  *Child runs off crying and snapchatting her friends about how embarrasing you are.

I can't say enough nice things about this resort.  It was very clean and lovely and the service was top notch.

At our age you take your selfies from UP HIGH.   

And too soon we were back at the airport and headed home. Thankfully this nice lady took one look at us and decided we needed a ride to baggage claim.

Now back to reality.  Its time to get ready for Christmas.  We are just always busy and going in 4 directions at once.  Our Christmas photo shoot was a after school, in our yard and the neighbors yard. 

 For some reason "J" didn't think this was a good place for our photo shoot.  But "T" was a good sport.

Well its going to have to do.  Next year I'll try again to find a fun place for a more comprehensive photo shoot.  Dumb ole public school sure eats up a lot of our time.