Christmas 2011

Once again, the Griffith family had a superb holiday season. We were busier than ever, but hey, that's just the way I like it! :)

For a recap, I did not get completely finished with my grad school work until the 14th. Alex and I held our 2nd Annual Christmas Gathering on the 16th, so I was one busy lady cooking and cleaning!

We had such a good turn out for the party. I LOVE seeing everyone together with no stress and all fun. I also thoroughly enjoy cooking, and the party just gives me the perfect excuse to bake up a storm! This year's menu:

• Hot Onion Souffle
• Beer Cheese Dip
• Bacon Cheddar Dip
• Jalapeno Poppers
• Cookie Dough Dip
• Oreo Truffles
• Mint Chocolate Truffles
• Peanut Butter Truffles
• Chicken Minis
• Fruit Tray with Dip

Needless to say, we all stuffed our faces. I look forward to next year's gathering!

Alex and I headed to Kennett on the 22nd to be with my family for a few days. It was so nice to be home without having any work or homework to do! My mom and dad cooked all of my favorite foods and we watched tons of Christmas movies.

On Friday, my family went to "Hallelujah on the Square". I had so much fun seeing people I had not seen in so long! Another highlight was seeing and singing with Sheryl Crow... Alex was pumped.

On Saturday, I helped mom cook all day. That night, Alex and I attended the Christmas Eve service at church. It was an absolutely beautiful service.

We had a wonderful Christmas in Kennett, but had to return to Memphis on Christmas night to prepare for our trip to MIAMI!

On Christmas night, Alex had a little accident and fell through the ceiling. Yes, a typical Clark Griswold move! He thankfully was not hurt, but we had a gaping hole in the ceiling for several days. We then went to Shogun for our famous Christmas night "I'm Sick Of Leftovers" meal. So yummy!

On the 26th, we were on our way to Miami with Alex's family. We did things a little differently this year. Instead of celebrating Christmas in Memphis and opening a bunch of gifts, we did everything in Miami. We shopped and bought our own gifts, laid on the beach, ate well, and basically got pampered for 4 days. It was marvelous!

Here are a few pictures of our holiday season:

{Front of Christmas Card}

{Back of Christmas Card}

{One of my favorite things about the holidays: receiving Christmas Cards from our friends and family!}

{New trees for the fireplace}

{I'm kind of obsessed with our front door. I love everything about it: double doors, color, two steps up to it, the detailing... I could go on and on! Special thanks to my mama for helping me decorate for the holidays!}

{The formal living room Christmas tree... I love the gold}

{My Pinterest-inspired holiday mantel. I painted the canvases and letters, and bought everything else at Garden Ridge}

{The desk in the family room. Please excuse the mess and clutter... this desk has had a little too much usage from my grad classes!}

{The family room tree. I CANNOT wait until this tree is full of handmade ornaments made by our future children! Our holidays will definitely be more entertaining in a few years!}

Well, that's our holiday wrap-up. Overall, it was a very good, not-so-relaxing, holiday. I started back to work today, and start my next set of grad classes next Wednesday. EIGHT more weeks of night courses, then I am smooth sailing! I think I can, I think I can..... :)

Until next time,

---KPG