Some ’Splainin’ to Do

via Note to Self

I realize I've been MIA lately. I thought I was going to be able to balance my time with family and blogging a little bit better. I guess I had so much fun I wanted to soak up every little moment. I can honestly say that I'm glad I did. My time with my parents and my sister was wonderful. We don't get to be together often, but when we do, we make it count! From the little moments like sitting together on the couch, watching TV, snuggled under blankets, to more momentous trips to the MoMA, Baltimore, and Williamsburg, it was all so spectacular. Twenty days seems like a long time, but with a blink of an eye, it ended this past Tuesday when I gave my parents tearful hugs and made the trek back to Hawaii. I know I should be happy to have spent the time with them, but no time together ever feels like quite enough. Why is that? I love my family dearly; I just wish we lived closer. Maybe that will be the case someday. For now, I've got some b-e-a-utiful memories to reflect upon.

On the bright side, there's one thing that has the ability to turn this frown upside down, and that's Flyboy's return this evening. I can't believe the 70'ish days have passed. While I prefer to have him home, we checked this first deployment off with flying colors. Words can't quite express how proud I am of him. I'm not sure I could have handled things with the optimism and selflessness that he did. Okay, he's not perfect, he did gripe about living in a tent for a few nights. I never said he was a saint, but I think he's a pretty swell guy! I'm elated to spend the next week together relaxing with Tripp and Beesly. I think a week filled with sun and sand at our favorite beaches is definitely in order.

Over the next week, I'll do my best to get you up-to-speed on what we did over the holidays. There are a few trips and shops I would like to post specifically about. I've got lots of pictures and anecdotes to share. I'm also super excited about another giveaway. Stay tuned for next Monday; there will be more giveaway details!

For now, I'll leave you with some random family photos that make this girl grin from ear to ear. It's a pretty lovable bunch, but I'm a tad biased. 

A family Christmas photo before service at the National Cathedral.

There's nothing quite like a candle light service, especially when the lady in front of you accidentally lights her program on fire while singing Joy to the World. Mom to the rescue.

Dad's festive attire screams (Bill) Murray Christmas!

After sharing the viral video, $#*! Girls Say with our parents, my sister couldn't help but ask... Is that hummus?

You'll shoot your eye out. Yes, my dad and sister started this tradition a few years ago. 

Mom and dad showing off some of their Christmas goodies. My dad is very Santa meets Roy Orbison in this photo.

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. I would have had this posted last night, but I think I picked up some sort of icky stomach bug on the plane ride home. I'm hoping the nausea will subside before I pick up Flyboy this evening. Not to worry, I'm doing a little happy jig in my head instead.