2.8

My Family.

Mitchel & I in Washington DC. I love that Mitchel and I are so close in age. We always have stuff to talk about and we have so much in common. We look a lot alike and hear about it all the time. He is the best little brother in the world and I am so happy that he is mine. He is the happiest person I know. I've never seen him sad for long periods of time and he knows how to make anyone smile. He is a kind person and would help out anyone in need. I love my little brother.

Megan. Although we have 6.5 years between us, we are the closest sisters in the world. We do everything together and now that I am back home, we spend most of our day together after school. We love all of the same things, which is wonderful. It's almost like having a best friend that is exactly like me!  ok... she isn't EXACTLY like me.. she is a lot taller. 

She is beautiful, smart and serious about school. She is so talented at everything and I'm so happy I have her as a sister. I love you Megan.

My mom. Coolest mom in the whole world. She and I do everything together. She is a great listener and a very hard worker. She is funny & smart. I look up to her for so many things, including advice. 

We have so much in common that it might actually be weird. Sometimes I do something that I have to stop and think "I'm turning into my mom." I love it when I have that realization.   

I love my mom so much! 

My dad. we are the two best friends that anyone could have.... nuff said.... 

just kidding.

I love my dad so much. He is the hardest worker I know. It is rare to see him sitting down. After his hip surgery, he has been doing a lot of sitting... I have really enjoyed the time that I have been able to spend with him during his recovery. I feel like we have been able to talk and really get to know each other. I know he is looking forward to getting back to running marathons... haha... but I have really enjoyed having him home 24/7.

This is a picture from our favorite family vacation to Mt. Rushmore.

I love my family. We are so good together and I can't imagine our family in any other way.

our family's favorite place to be is together....

Merry Christmas

CHRISTMAS MORNING

We had a great Christmas this year. Thanks Santa!










Even Maybe got in the spirit of Christmas!


then Ryan joined us and we went to my grandparents

Christmas Eve Festivities

I started off this Christmas Eve by going to Ryan's family party. I had a fantastic time. They were so nice to include me and his Grandma Carol even let me play all of their traditional games! I had such a good time! It's been nice to date Ryan for long enough that we can spend parts of our holidays together! It was such a great party and everyone was so kind.

Every year for Christmas Eve since I can remember, we have gone to Grandma and Grandpa Porters house. We always play songs with Grandmas bells. And then we act out the Nativity Scene.
The last couple years though have been different. Everyone is married and has their own families so not as many people show up on Christmas Eve. We didn't go last year because my mom wanted to start our own traditions. This year though, we did go. Suzanne and her family were there and of course Grandma and Grandpa.
So as you can imagine it is hard to act out the nativity scene with only 6 people who could participate.


Grandpa read the Nativity Story, while Grandma played songs on the piano that matched the story.



Dad and Megan were Mary and Joseph..



Suzanne and Joe were Shepherds.



Capree was the Angel


And I was the one and only Wiseguy



We would have had more participants, but mom and MItchel were upstairs trying to decide if Mitchel should go to the ER. He did end up going after the Nativity scene. Mom and Dad took him. Don't worry though, he only has chemical burns in his esophagus from dry swallowing pills.
Aside from Mitchel's Emergency Room Visit, It was a great Christmas Eve. Thanks to everyone who was a part of it!

Happy Holidays

This Christmas was so much fun! It was so great to come home for the holidays. Living away from home has been fun, but being home for a whole month has been great!!! I came home on December 10th, which is Ryan's birthday. His mom was so kind and invited me out to dinner with their family for his birthday. We went to Happy Sumo and had some really great sushi! On December 11th, Ryan and I went to his dad's company party where he played the guitar and I sang. (If you can call it singing...) Ryan is such a great musician. I am always so impressed with how talented he is.

On the 16th my family had a gingerbread house making party. I think we have done this for the last couple years. Its always been at our house and it always involves different family members and friends. It was so much fun! we always split up into small groups and make our houses together!
On team 1 we had Grant and Mitchel


They made a lovely gingerbread train.



On team 2 we had Darrin, Suzanne and Capree



Of course when you put 3 A-type personalities together, you get a beautifully perfect gingerbread house. gumdrop sidewalk and all.



oh and don't forget about the perfect icing icicles.




On team 3 we had Lindsay and Megan.



They made an adorable Christmas Train.



And finally, team 4 we had My mom and I.
Lets just say we made the BEST gingerbread house EVER!!!!!!!!


It may look messy to the untrained eye, but don't be fooled, it was the best ever!



Of course Grandma and Grandpa were both there for moral support, assistance with our houses, and watching the kids.







Another great year of gingerbread houses!

mY WeeK iN hiGhLiGhTs

This week....
I learned how to crochet
My BFF Alexx taught me how to crochet. I have always wanted to learn how to crochet, but could never figure it out. My grandma always tried to teach me when I would ask her, but she is left handed, and it always ended in frustration towards each other. So anyway, I'm working on my first scarf right now!!! Thanks Alexx!



Roommate Night on Tuesday!
We made dinner together!!! Brittney made clam chowder, Mckayla made bread sticks, Bonnie made cornbread and Rebecca and I made chocolate cake with hot chocolate sauce!!! It was so much fun!!!!!! My roommates are amazing and they are fantastic cooks! So happy I live here and got to meet them!!!

The Office Wedding on Thursday!
Jim and Pam finally got married! I was so happy! I know everyone has been rooting for them from the beginning, but seeing the wedding last Thursday was so perfect!!! Love the office!!!


Made amazing dinners this week!!! Seriously! I made butternut squash two nights this week. I tried two different sauces and both were amazing! I love the feeling I get when I make something yummy!!!!











WEEKEND PLANS!!!!!!!
My roommate/BFF Bonnie came home with me this weekend!!!!! We went to Lagoon on Friday night. We were able to go on all of the rides and see all of the shows. Including the Hypnotist show!!! I went up on stage and I was hypnotized for my first time. It was the weirdest experience!!! But seriously awesome, if you ever have the chance to be hypnotized, DO IT!!!






On Saturday, we went to breakfast at my favorite breakfast joint. I went to work and Bonnie stayed with my family. When I got home, we went to dinner at Tepanyaki for dad's birthday!




Sunday I had to work, Parents had a golf tournament and Bonnie came to Lagoon with Megan to see Windy and friends!!!! Fantastic weekend!!!


An overall a fantastic week!!!!!