^^Santa is always watching!
Merrrrrrry Christmas Eve! We just spent the weekend in Hillsborough visiting my parents, sister and family. My parents are s l o w l y moving from the house I grew up in to a new house in their same neighborhood. They now have beds and mattresses at the new house, so we were able to stay there for the first time! It was SO NICE to have plentiful bathrooms (growing up we just had one for the whole family upstairs) and modern touches like their gas fireplace.
Now that Emerson can walk, Mazen had fun chasing her around and making her laugh.
Where’s your cousin?!
Check out the open floor plan! (Rugs, kitchen tables, etc. all still in progress.)
I brought some Virginia wine to share, and we snacked on cheese, crackers, guacamole and chips before dinner.
My parents made chili in the slow cooker, with cornbread and salad for dinner.
After dinner we opened gifts! We always do a Secret Santa exchange, which I love because you put a lot of thought into one solid gift. My Santa was too generous with gift cards to Athleta and LOFT and some soaps and bubble bath from my favorite Deep Steep line. (Thanks MOM!)
Mazen got a new tiger and a sleeping bag (this one)! Thomas wants to take him camping (I would be happy to stay home, but I think I’m going to have to go too!)
My mom also bought him this star night light constellation projector that turns your room into a planetarium-like scene with stars. It rotates the stars around and changes colors – it’s so cool!
Nigh-night!! I hope Santa comes to your house tonight!
I’ll be sharing part II of our visit soon! : )
Ellie says
I find it funny I have read your blog for years (probably 10 I started in undergrad in Saint Louis). I had 0 connections to NC. I am now a full time RD for Duke and we just moved to the Historic Distract. LOVE this sweet little town.
KathEats says
Aw that’s so awesome!! Go Duke!!
Barbara Younger says
So you moved to Hillsborough?
Barbara Younger says
Loved seeing the new house on the blog! Merry Christmas everyone!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Such an awesome Christmas so far, Kath! Love all the festive vibes! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Laura says
I adore the backsplash in you parent’s kitchen and I love the open floor plan too. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas!
Ps. When you get a minute I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Survivor finale. Chrissy really grew on me and I was disappointed for her (and Devin too) that things seemed rigged in Ben’s favor.
KathEats says
I was a bit salty about the Ben win because of the surprise fire making challenge. If that hadn’t happened, Devon likely would have won. (When I talked to my new friend the other night he said that fire challenge was planned well before the season started). I really liked Crissy too, and I was rooting for her, but I think mostly because Ben was painted as a bit of a villain in the last few weeks. Ultimately though, I was really happy for Ben and I am so happy for his family. I thought the after show appearance by his friends was really sweet. My new friend said Ben is an awesome guy and Crissy is not-so-well-liked.
Randy says
Merry Christmas Kath, Thomas, Mazen and your marvelous canine and to you and yours.
All looked spectacular as always, we really like your parent’s new home: exciting and sad at the same time (happy-sad) with leaving your family home and on to new and better….so nice it’s so close by so that might ease the sad part a bit hopefully,
You Christmas eve dinner that your M & D made looks so very good, great menu!
We stayed in (snow and ice +) but enjoyed ourselves watching a movie and eating our way from early afternoon throughout the evening getting to bed by 11:00P which is late for us 9:00 o’clocker’s….we didn’t indulge in too much food!
Besides the great conversation and food and movie we watched, (Al Pacino )we had a wonderful bottle of wine; Vouvray 1967 which was spectacular; you and your family would enjoy it (I think).
I didn’t intend to start writing a novel here, but I guess I express too much at times according to my lovely wife Carolyn. 🙂
Again Kath, Merry Christmas to all!
Randy.
KathEats says
Merry Christmas Randy!
LSS says
I’m ready to make the switch from cheap Costco and Old Navy workout leggings to something that actually stays up. Which tights do you like at Athleta? Thanks!
KathEats says
I love the whole 7/8 tight line. The tummy panel is the perfect thickness and rise, and the tights are thick and structured but not too tight or bulky. These are the regular ones and these are on sale!
Scott Elliff says
You clearly have great taste in wine. Sincerely, Scott – proprietor of DuCard Vineyards. Thanks for the post, quite some time ago now, about our wine and food pairing program. Cheers, S
KathEats says
Aw thanks Scott! Hope to be up to visit sometime soon 🙂
Tonya says
Emerson is so cute! Lovely new home, Mom!
Barbara Younger says
Thank you on both counts!