Goulash!

Recently, we've been trying out lots of recipes in Tyler's new Dutch oven. While Madelyn has enjoyed many of the dishes, by far her favorite has been Bobby's Goulash, a Paula Deen recipe passed along to us by my brother. Don't believe me? Check out these pics.

Fun at Grandma and Grandpa's

Katie and Tyler making rosettes (a family recipe)

Serious puzzle work

Fun in Grandma and Grandpa's big bubble bath

Making music

 

Picking out some goodies in the pantry

Mixing up my grandpa's homemade marshmallows

New Year's Day (a.k.a. Christmas again)

On New Year's Day we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family in the mountains of North Carolina. We had the pleasure of meeting Uncle Tyler's girlfriend, Katie, and she jumped into the family festivities. We had a lovely time exchanging gifts, catching up, and enjoying the warmth of being with family and sitting by the fireplace.

 

 

 

Family Time at Christmas

The next few days after Christmas we spent lots of time with Tyler's immediate and extended family. On the 26th, we shared another Christmas meal and gift exchange, this time with Tyler's brother, Jonathan, and his family. Madelyn loved playing with her cousins, Caroline and Jack.

The following day we enjoyed Low Country Boil (also known as Frogmore Stew) with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. While our days in Georgia were busy, it was great to visit with so many relatives while we were in town.

Snuggling with Aunt Lisa

 

Smiling with Great-Grandpa Boot

In front of the tree with Great-Grandma Jane

Reading by the fire with Grandma Cyndy

Christmas Day

Christmas morning we woke up bright and early (actually, it wasn't bright -- it was 3:45 a.m.!) to get ready for our flight to visit Tyler's family in Georgia. A wonderful friend stayed at our place on Christmas Eve so she could take us to the airport. After a brief layover in Charlotte, we made it to our destination, and Tyler's parents (Papa and Nanny) were there waiting with smiling faces and open arms.

Hanging out in the Charlotte airport waiting for our second flight

After a visit with Tyler's grandfather (affectionately known as "Boot"), we made it to Papa and Nanny's house. An early morning and overcast skies made our hot bowls of soup and quiet afternoon the perfect way to spend some time together. When Madelyn woke up from her nap, we exchanged gifts. Of course, Madelyn was the star of the show, and she thoroughly enjoyed the gift-opening process.

Not all of these gifts were for us; I promise!

We had a wonderful time celebrating with Papa and Nanny!

Christmas Eve

The morning of December 24 we celebrated our little family Christmas at home. We had lots of fun helping Madelyn open her gifts.

After a lovely Lessons and Carols service at church, we invited some friends to join us for my family's traditional Christmas Eve meal -- Christmas Stew, Merry Berry Salad, and bread. We finished it off with a tasty White Chocolate Mousse. We enjoyed celebrating with dear friends before heading South to celebrate with family.