Happy New Year!!

Before I launch into Christmas Vacation 2010, CONGRATULATIONS to Emily and Nouhou on their little boy, Indihi. Emily and I have known each other since we were 2 years old, and she is very much a sister to me. Indihi was born in New York on December 22nd, right before a major blizzard. Truly a Christmas gift; he is just adorable!! Now we are just waiting on Rachel's little girl to come in February. A real year of babies!

Now, a Blackburn/Cherbonneau Christmas. I feel like we have been traveling for months, but it was only a week and a half! Mike and I headed to ALABAMA (and yes, I did throw my hands up in the air when we passed the state line) on the 22nd, planning to arrive for dinner. The fact that we weren't packed or ready to go that morning did not factor into our plans. We rolled in around midnight. Thankfully, my sweet mother, who I had not seen in six months, waited up for us.

I think Mike had a good time on his first Christmas away...he got some good loot and taught my family how incredibly competitive he can get over a game of dominoes. It was so nice to spend the holidays with him though. This is the first time in our entire dating career that we have spent Christmas or Thanksgiving together! I just wasn't willing to give it up. A few things I know Mike is not looking forward to next year:

1) The family "after dinner walk" on Christmas....I think my father made it longer this year, and I KNOW he added in a hill/mountain. Was this to prove that he is still the head of the household? We'll never know. What I do know - it was snowing this year as we trudged through the neighborhood.

2)Our entire family waking up at 8 am to open presents. We don't mess around on Christmas. I love my sleep, but I can tell you, I still can't fall asleep on Christmas Eve. It is just too exciting! I love watching our family open things we have specifically picked out for them, and am proud of my sisters (and myself) for slowly learning to attempt to hide our disdain when we open something that is "so not for us." PS - I did get the Julia Child's 2 Volume Cookbook...I will let you know how that goes. Maybe after we lose that holiday weight :-)

Hopefully, there are some things that Mike was happy with. I always love it when our entire family gets together...there is a lot of joking, laughing and always, wine. Apparently now, there is also dominoes, Jersey style.

On the 26th, we loaded up again (minus Lullabelle - she is quite the traveler, but not up for 3 massive dogs.) We were in Atlanta in time for a lobster feast. I am always amazed with Mike's mother. She sets a table like you are in a 5 star restaurant every time we eat. I accidentally filled my water goblet with wine....that's embarrassing! My new sister in law is pregnant with a little girl, and we had so much fun watching my little nephew run around. I really enjoyed spending time with their family, even though it was only a few days. We opened presents over a period of one evening and one morning, and I got some great things!

Mike's father is called the Riddler, and this is almost specific to Christmas. Each year, he hides at least one present among the presents that have been opened. During one of Mrs. C's first Christmases with Mr. C, he gave her a box of Cracker Jacks, informing her that he heard pregnant women liked Cracker Jacks. (She was pregnant.) She put that box, unopened, in the pantry for several months stating that she did not, in fact, like Cracker Jacks, and that the old wive's tale was false. When her father came over a few months later, he opened the box for a snack and found a gold ring inside! Mr. C never said a word.

This year, when everyone finished opening presents, Mr. C looked around and said, "Let's determine who was most likely tricked this year." Everyone's head turned to me. After some tough searching,and a lot of help from Mike, I found several great gift certificates.

Ok, finally - I haven't gotten to tell you about meeting all my friends babies!! We kept trying to meet for lunch, and everyone's schedule (mainly mine) kept fluctuating. We finally planned to get up early from Atlanta and drive back to Birmingham in time for lunch. Wouldn't you know, as we were leaving the house, we noted that traffic was at a standstill. As we crept along, we heard on the traffic radio that a BRUSH FIRE had started, and the ramp to get onto the highway was closed. This only happens to us. However, I was able to see each of those babies individually, and they are absolutely adorable. So sorry Ellen, that I kept trying to wake Kate up...she's just so freaking cute! Emily, I am sorry that my father called sweet Harper, who was dressed all in pink, a boy. I was mortified. Rachel, you look absolutely adorable!! I can only hope that when I am pregnant I look as cute as you!

So. We are back in Texas and looking forward to this year. I think it is going to be a great one! Lots of resolutions already...just waiting to see how long I can keep them. Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and is ready to embrace 2011!