'Tis the season ... or 'twas the season, rather

A little sentimental holiday round-up post for those of you still checking in on this here blog. Nothing too exciting...

The holidays came and went just a handful of months ago, but with the springtime sun peeking its way out from behind the clouds, these photos feel like distant memories.

We kept up with our annual tradition of traveling to Albany for Thanksgiving. Such a treat to spend quality time with Taylor's entire family and his grandparents' lovely friends. As an old soul, I feel so fortunate to have a great group of "older than my parents" people in my life who care about Taylor and me. I hold the times we share together deep in my heart. The food and conversation was filling and fantastic.

Christmastime was restful, as Taylor and I took some time off together before the holiday. We escaped to Hood River for a killer day of mountain biking on the Washington side of the river. In Taylor's words, it was "unreal" being in short sleeves and sunshine in late December. Although I would have enjoyed snowshoeing during our December break, snow has been hard to come by in the area this winter. 

And what could be better than having the littles around at the holidays? Seeing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a three-year-old was outstanding. 

My favorite part of the Christmas season is the tradition of going to church to celebrate the real reason of the season and the outrageous dinner my mom cooks following mass. My parents' house is always filled to the brim with the scents of rich, dreamy food, the sounds of several boisterous family members, and the cooing and giggles of the nieces and nephews. 

On Christmas Day, we felt like little kids, so excited to wake up for the first time on the holiday in our first house. We exchanged gifts, enjoyed breakfast, and headed down to Albany to share the day with Taylor's family. Again we feasted at Nanny and Bobby's house with Taylor's cousins. With too many gifts and overstuffed bellies, we headed back home to enjoy the final days of 2014 with our pup. 

The Doggie Dinner Date crew ... Bowen and his friends Stella and Otis at the Bolgens' house.

Jordan in his traditional Christmas morning attire...a WSU sweatsuit. 

Looking at old Bethell family Christmas photos. Priceless!