Christmas 2013

Christmas 2013 was sad and happy at the same time - I was sad that I wasn't able to be with my family...but we were happy to see our South African parents, the Solomons, in London!

We had lots of fun events planned before Christmas and Barramie were excited to show off their new place so they hosted everyone for Christmas Eve.  Since they live above a cute pub, The Boilingbroke, we decided we had to have a quick drink downstairs to introduce Bryan and Gail to the place.

Family drinks at The Boilingbroke

 Dexter was excited to open his presents, too!

Jamie & Barry's pretty living room

Kids on the couch 

 We all got pajamas for Christmas so we laid them over our clothes in preparation for Christmas morning

The next day was Christmas morning so we all dressed up in our new pajamas and went over to Jamie and Barry's so that Bryan could cook us his famous egg & bacon rolls for breakfast.

Pajama party! 

 Later that afternoon we had Christmas dinner at our place (I had promised Bryan a brined turkey) and it didn't disappoint.  The skin was nice and crispy but the meat underneath was juicy and tasty.  I was so excited to have everyone over...but was even more excited at the big pile of presents under (and around) the tree!

Yummy Christmas dinner...plates cleaned!

Caught smoochin' in the kitchen! 

 After dinner we had a special guest make an appearance..

Bryan and Peter

We all had a great time listening to Christmas music, hanging out and opening all our presents.

Lloyd is clearly pleased with his haul 

Bryan & Gail enjoying their Christmas goodies 

After a fun evening eating and opening presents, it was finally time for dessert!  Ever since I made Dad's cherry cranberry pie for Lloyd he has insisted that we have that pie at every Thanksgiving and Christmas (and birthday, and holiday, haha).  

PROOF that Jamie knows how to wash dishes!! 

Jamie is excited about her new granny cart! 

Jamie proudly showing off her purple onesie as we prepare to Skype with Len

On Boxing Day Lloyd and I celebrated by going to a Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge.  We were headed to South Africa the next day so it was nice to have an outing with just the two of us before the craziness with the South African family.  

Hanging out at Jimmy's before the game

Look how excited we are about the game! All in all it was a bittersweet Christmas but super fun and special having the Solomons around.  Can't wait till we get to spend the next Christmas with everyone in Texas!