Christmas in a Nutshell

I was going to title it "Christmas in a nutcracker" but thought that was too far a stretch. This holiday season was bittersweet for hubs and I. As previously posted we had to put our Turner down on Christmas Eve, but thankfully we were with family to help cheer us up.

 Later on Christmas Eve, Bobby and I headed over to his parents house for tamales. This is usually a large affair, but this year was more subdued. Just us immediate family. It was really nice and relaxing. After tamales we headed back over to my parents house for dessert fondue! The Kleins came over as well and we all enjoyed chatting and my homemade marshmallows dipped in chocolate. Before we knew it, it was 11:00 pm and time for bed.

The setup

Strawberry, Coconut, & Chocolate marshmallows!

My homemade marshmallows, recipe post coming soon!

Mom's beautiful table settings

Dad enjoying some sparkling cranberry juice

Husband caught me!

Steaming Hot Toddies by brother Michael

Poor Rock (FIL), my Mom is explaining to Teri (MIL) all her DIY projects!

Bobby and Karee (SIL) got bored and started playing cards, at least they can entertain each other.

 Christmas morning hubs and I were up bright and early at 8:00 am. We had Mom and Dad open their gifts first and then tore into ours. After everything was unwrapped, Bobby told me he got me a "small" gift. You might not consider this unusual but Bobby and I do not get each other gifts. We would rather spend the money on our friends and family then get gifts for ourselves. I opened a small black box to find a silver bulldog key chain. I started crying because I missed Turner so much. Bobby then asked me if there was anything else in the box, I discovered a car key to a Mini Cooper!! I DID NOT believe and ran outside to see if it was true. The rest as they say is history! I hope everyone had a VERY merry CHRISTmas with friends and family and found time to enjoy the true reason for this season.

Husband's fire, the picture doesn't do it justice

Mom and Dad with their gifts from us!

I had no idea what was coming

Unbelievable...

In shock