After a great couple of days in North Carolina, we then drove 5 hours north to Maryland to the home where I grew up. We had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa. They are always amazed that their grand kids eat so well. (Or so much.)
The highlight was Grandma’s famous homemade spaghetti and meatballs. My mom made it for us all the time as kids growing up and it is STILL my favorite pasta dish of all time.
The kiddies had a blast playing with Grandpa in the park and reading tons of books with Grandma.
Then we were off to my sister’s house where the kiddies ran around in whatever patches of snow were left on the ground. It’s amazing to watch children play with the most random things and these cousins had a BLAST.
We also continued our tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve together. The kids party in the afternoon with lots of sparkling things and sugar. Then the adults celebrate later with lots of wine, snacks, and game playing.
That last photo was just hours before I slipped on a step going down to my sister’s basement and completely sprained my big toe. I really thought I broke it. The pain was so bad. But I could walk. Or rather LIMP around so I figured it was just a bad sprain. It’s still hurting me a little now. And NO, it was not a big drunken New Year’s Eve injury. YES, there was wine and a teeny bit of champagne, but the stairs really were a bit tricky and I did not want to turn on the light because the kiddies were fast asleep in the room downstairs. See, I really will do anything, or suffer any injury, for my family.
Happy New Year.
