The other side of the family that is!!
Matt’s aunt and uncle happen to live in the same town as my parents do, so we are lucky to get to spend time with both sides of the family at Christmas. Matt’s dad and his wife Cheryl came up for a few days, and we also visited with cousins and both of Mazen’s great grandmothers on that side.
The Eno River was flowing full from all of our rain, so the boys had fun throwing in rocks and looking for snakes (which they did not find!)
The first night we went to Acme in Carrboro for dinner.
This delicious pumpkin cornbread made for a great appetizer!
I ordered flounder over ginger sweet potatoes and sautéed greens. Loved it!
We headed home to put Mazen to bed, which was hilarious since he fell asleep for 2 minutes in the car and therefore was still awake at 10pm!! Does he look sleepy to you!?
The next morning I had a small breakfast – fruit salad and tea – to hold me over until brunch back at the Monsons.
We all gathered for me to take some family photos. Self timer for the win!
I’m thinking they all have the same mouth and smile!
Mazen was over the photography in that last one. He just wanted to play with his cousin’s trucks, which is what he did all afternoon!
We had a wonderful brunch with eggs, bacon, casseroles, fruit salad and mimosas.
We’re back in Cville now leaping into 2016 with lots of goals for simplicity, mindfulness and organization. More on that to come!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Ooh is that fudge in the last pic? Looks epic! I think I’m going to start the clear out today, wardrobes here I come!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
What a fun time! Looks like you had a good group to celebrate with 🙂 Also, that pumpkin cornbread sounds awesome!!
Ellie says
I love ACME- I think I’ve dragged about 5 dates there!
Lisa C says
Looking forward to the simplicity/organization posts! Working on that here too. Merry Christmas, Kath!
Karen says
Oh my, what are those pretzel Christmas tree things?
I’m with you on simplicity and mindfulness for the new year. I’ve been reading a lot about it. Have you read “10 percent happier” yet? Excellent read.
Looking good Kath and Fam! As usual. 🙂
Mom says
They were delicious and adorable. http://www.iheartnaptime.net/pretzel-christmas-trees/
Cindy DuBose says
Hi Kath, It looks like you all had a great visit with your family. We often stop in Hillsborough for lunch at Weaver Street Market when traveling from DC to Charlotte. Since you are familiar with the area could you suggest a nice place to stay for a night? A nice bed and breakfast nearby or nice hotel?
Thanks!
KathEats says
I actually don’t really know because I always stay with my parents!! I haven’t ever researched the area. There are a few hotels in Hillsborough that are nice chains – we used the Holiday Inn (I believe it was) for our wedding.
Cindy DuBose says
Thank you!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
Big families are the best! I have a small one but I’ve got it in my mind to create a big one some day! Love following your adventures!
Julie says
What a beautiful Christmas you had. It’s pretty special that Mazen still has great grandparents and is able to spend time with them! Looking forward to what’s in store for 2016!
Steph says
Exactly! Every brunch should include fudge!!
Jess says
Love the family pictures!!
Leslie says
I’m look foward to your upcoming post. I have missed the content that has brought me here for many years. I hope you are open to some feed back from a long time reader. I still read all the post,but I have become a little less interested lately. Content seems less genuine then in the past. I would like for you to write from the heart. I know that sponsored post are a thing now. I guess I’m just missing when you just wrote about what you wanted to without trying to shove a sponsors content in. I am going to try and hang with you in 2016.
Emily says
Wow, I absolutely love the variety of the Christmas brunch. It’s pretty colorful and YUMMY looking. 🙂
SandyK says
Good looking family. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Linda @ The Fitty says
I am always in awe of all the fine dining / great restaurants you visit! Take me next time. 🙂
Emily says
what is it about kids!? if they nap for 2 min in the car, they think they’ve napped 2 hours. SMH