Carmean Christmas Party

Everyone knows December is filled with parties galore, and this year was no different. One of my favorite holiday get-togethers was going up to Waco for the Carmean Christmas party. My coworker, Megan, is always a wonderful host and I love visiting and catching up with her and my other coworker, Brooke. Though the party was small, Megan had a signature drink and lots of yummy holiday treats for us. Megan and I also did some shopping at an amazing boutique called Spice where I found a handful of presents for my family and also for myself! I am making one of my New Year's Resolutions to go up to Waco more often in 2012 to see Megan and Brooke! Here are some photos from Megan's party.

Yummy treats. My favorite were the reindeer cookies!

With Ashlee, Megan, Brooke, and puppy Lucie too!

Family Photographs

I was lucky enough to be home for Thanksgiving this year and spend the week with my family. I honestly don’t remember the last time my parents, my sister and I were all home together. The night before Katie and I left, my dad showed me a few stacks of old photos from when he was growing up, when my parents were dating and first married, and when Katie and I were little. I absolutely love learning about my family history and the photos are a way for me to take a peak into my parents' and grandparents’ lives before I was around. Here are a few of my favorites.

Grandma Hayes in 1968.

Momma at Christmas in 1981.

1982 Christmas in Evanston with no snow!

{Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Marie, Mom, Dad}

My first Easter in 1987.

August 1994 in Evanston.

{Grandma, me, Dad, Aunt Marie, Grandpa, Katie}

Chicago

Chicago is one of my favorite places in the country, and possibly the world. Driving into the city always puts a huge smile on my face. The weekend before Thanksgiving my sister and I met our two cousins, Rima and Kira, in the city for a reunion weekend. The four of us sort of grew up together and I realized a few months ago that we hadn’t all been together in over three years. The weekend was filled with a lot of shopping (as usual), a trip to Second City, and a couple birthday celebrations for Katie. Katie and I got to spend time with all of our extended family who live in and around the city and I saw three of my college friends who I don’t get to see nearly enough. The trip was wonderful and I wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. Here are a few photos from the weekend.

Katie, Rima, Kira and I before we went to Second City for the late night comedy show.

Mandy, Megan, Lauren and I having a mini college reunion.

Katie blowing out the candles on one of her birthday cakes.