Celebrations

This time of year is so much fun.  I have been kind of bad about updating this blog because I have been so busy going to celebrations and Holiday festivities.  Here's what's been going on:

Last Friday I drove to Wilmington to see my cousin Hayley graduate from UNCW.  She graduated with a degree in Spanish and a degree in Nursing.  We are so proud of her!  She already has a job at the hospital in Wilmington.

Ren gave Hayley this tear jerker of a gift at dinner.  My grandmother and great grandmother were both nurses.  This is the very first cross stitch Ren ever did (she thinks when she was about 6-8 years old).  Ren didn't become a nurse, and of course neither did me or Chip, so Ren had this framed for Hayley.  How sweet!  Hayley loved it.

 

Saturday night we attended Chris's annual volunteer fire department dinner.  This year Chris's "squad" won the award for the most hours spent at the station.

Sunday they also had their Christmas parade.  I couldn't make it, but Chris's buddy Ross and his 2 children rode in the fire truck with Chris. Cute!

 

While they were are the parade, I went to an ornament exchange at Sarah's house.  Speaking of- Sarah and Matt just got engaged yesterday in NYC.  Congratulations!!  Can't wait to celebrate when you get back!

So glad Hillary and her baby Ellie could make the trip from Winston.

 

Well if all of that wasn't exciting enough for you all, on Monday I drove to Charlotte and spent the week there for work.  We had our work Christmas party and I got to see family and friends.  I didn't get a pic, but I got to stop by and see Amanda and Thomas's new house!  So cute, I can't wait to get a pic the next time I am there.

Finally, on Thursday afternoon the barstools that I ordered back in August arrived at the Brass Exchange.  It worked out perfectly since I was already in Charlotte.  Somehow I fit all 4 of these in the back of my SUV and drove them back to Cary.  I LOVE how they turned out!  It was definitely worth the 4 month wait.

 I selected the dark Espresso finish with a Mahogany seat and a Java Linen cushion.  It took me a long time to decide between the dark barstool and a lighter cream color like my cabinets.  I think the dark accents the specks in the granite and also our darker hardware on the cabinets. Glad I chose the darker!  I also love that I can have these with or without the cushions.

We are having both sides of our family up for a Christmas dinner on 12/28, so these stools will definitely come in handy! We can't wait to have everyone up.

  I am excited to have a weekend at home to finish all my Christmas shopping and wrapping!  Hope everyone is enjoying the Holidays!