Chicagoland Christmas

A quick little post about our Christmas and New Year.  First thing first, I got to see my sister and niece.  We hadn't seen each other in two years!  It was great to be back at my parent's home surrounded by people I love.  I didn't realize how lonely I'd been in Malente.  Since H left it was Sophie, Redgie and I everyday.  My sister got to meet Sophie for the first time.

Then I turned 31.  To celebrate I spent the day at the salon with my old stylist.  She demanded to know who I'd been seeing since my hair was such a mess.  She thought I'd been going to the European version of Great Clips.  I placed my trust in her and a colorist, they worked their magic and fixed my hair to the best of their abilities.  It was the best birthday present to myself I think I've ever had.  That's a good thing because it cost well over $200.  Since I'm American I don't feel bad about that at all.

voilà- beautiful hair

Sophie was loved, adored and spoiled by all.  Her cousin was so nice to her.  Whenever Sophie was in a bad mood she could make her smile.  They were sweet and adorable together.  Sophie also got to spend a lot of time with her Auntie and grandparents.  I got to take these two pictures, they are my favorites from our entire vacation.  They totally sum up their wonderful relationship.

 We had Christmas...

 

 My Mom's Christmas table is always especially beautiful...

 I her dining room is one of my favorite rooms in the house.

 Sophie wore her Christmas top with golden bows because she's my little present.

 For the New Year I got dressed up, Sophie wore pajamas and we went to my friend's house to celebrate wtih other families.  I was hoping she might fall asleep but Sophie stayed up until midnight.  I realized that Americans and Europeans mean completely different things when they say 'champagne' but we still had a blast.

party in her pjs

I got to eat amazing delicacies like crème brulée lattes and my mom's pink Holiday desert stuff.

I got to see all my friends.  We ate sushi here, Indian food here, and I had the most amazing brunch here.  My sister gave me a lovely massage for my birthday from here.  I didn't get to go to the movies because I couldn't leave Sophie for that long but there is always a next time.

the end.

bag packed and ready to go in my old bedroom