After a long, long plane ride home from Vienna (through Amsterdam! The day before the terrorist...) I arrived in Seattle. :o) Dec. 23rd and just in time for Christmas. I had a wonderful three days at home with Mom, Dad and Amy. The night I got home, we had our grandparents over for dinner (which I almost slept through... thanks jet lag!). Christmas Eve found us back with my grandparents again, playing cards and eating a delicious meal. Christmas Day (after opening our presents and having breakfast) we went over to my Aunt and Uncles, where more game playing and good food awaited. One highlight was Amy's new version of Life - it's so much fun and I got sooo addicted!
{Me, Amy, Mom and Dad}
{Leah Lou and Me}
On the 26th of Dec. I drove up to Colin's Mom and Dad's house, just over the canadian border. Colin thought I was coming up on the 27th, and I was excited to surprise him... little did I know, he had just gotten out of the shower when I arrived, and was cutting his toenails! Nevertheless, he was still happy to see me. :o) We had a great 4 days in Canada - we also went into Vancouver to meet up with his friends, some of which I haven't met yet (even after so long dating!)
{Colin, during our walk in the park}
Colin and I drove home on the 29th to meet up with my best friends at Katie's parents, where we had an "Anne of Green Gables" party - complete with Rachel Lynde's turkey pot pie, Dianna Berry's Leafy Green Salad and Anne's Fudge. :o) Colin came along and had a good time getting to know my friends better, even though he was the only boy there! Thanks Kate for hosting!
And in other big news, Sally is engaged! I'm so happy for her and am excited to help with some of the planning - just hoping there will still be some left when I get back from Vienna in July! Which I'm super excited for, because then I get to meet Mr. Hudson Bloom! :o) I can't wait for Suzie to finally become a mom!
{My best friends}
After a quiet New Years playing games at home with my Mom and Dad and Amy and Tom, Colin and I took an overnight trip to Portland. We stayed at the Ace Hotel (super hipster!) and went out to dinner at Rogue Brewery. Portland is such a great city - the atmosphere is super, as is the public transportation! We also went to the movies: Living Room Theaters - where you can recline in comfy chairs with footrests and can eat dinner and drink alcohol at your seat! :o)
The next day we took the advice of the hotel desk clerk and made our way out to breakfast - which was amazing! All organic and super delicious. We also caught a free tour at the Chinese Gardens - and had a great time even though it was raining. Portland was so great, I was really sad to come home, especially since I knew that my time with Colin was coming to an end.... before 5 months apart. But I'm certain that those 5 months will go quickly and come July, we don't ever have to be apart again!
{Our hotel room at Ace}
{Colin and his giant Apple Fritter}
{The donut selection at Vodoo... I recommend the bacon maple bar!)
{Me at the Chinese Garden}
{Colin at Cafe Half & Half, playing Settlers of Catan - dice game}
