Stay Sweet

 Last night I needed a little quiet time.

I began looking through the pictures on my phone 

and realized there are many beautiful images and events that I have not shared here. 

A lot!

One place I have yet to shown you is 

 Stay Sweet

the sweet shop inside of Gaylord Resort.

The next 5 pictures are of edible cakes that were on display...

even this fireplace and the stiletto are made to be eaten.

These sweet treats were packaged individually and ready for purchase.

This chimney was also a cake.

The Christmas Trees in the shop were so pretty.

Every year the hotel provides a fun Scavenger Hunt for the kids.

This year it was "Mistletoe Mile...Scavenger Hunt.

We partake of course and I have to say it was much harder this year than in years past.

There was one item we never found, but it was super fun!!

So This Was Christmas....

and it was a very Merry Christmas!

We don't have a large, one and done, Christmas Tree.

We have several of these "tabletop" trees, scattered about the house. 

Since the boys moved out, these work well for us...

I do miss seeing all the special ornaments we have collected over the years,

they are in boxes, perhaps never to be seen again.

oooh dear, I hope not!

- "0" days until Christmas -

- Christmas Gifts -

- Mikes Gifts -

Mike loved the blanket I made for him,

I was so thrilled to see him open it and to share that moment with him,

when he saw it for the first time.

He said he loved the color!

We all watched the Disney Christmas Parade, and had homemade coffee cake for breakfast.

- So fun -

We were in charge of deserts for Christmas that my niece Dean-na hosts.

These mini donuts were so good...

we brought 2 cheesecakes and a chocolate layer cake...i did not get a picture.

We brought lots of Christmas Cookies...

these are a few of the cookies I made.

Niece Dean-na, her brother Billy and Dean-nas husband, Anothony.

Sister and Brother

Lorelei

Addie

Those are the Disney Ornaments I gifted them..

I have purchased each of them an ornament every Christmas since they were born.

This is about half of us...I don't know how other families get a picture of everyone.

The kids kept disappearing, the adults did not want a picture,

it was complete chaos and I loved every minute!

I am there in the back, just my head!

Wise Words On Sunday

 

Today's positive thought...

My cozy routines help me...

- feel calm and happy -

Saturday Critters #628

The calm before the winter storm... 

Yesterday, we took a ride to Howe Street Beach.

We always enjoy the 10 minute drive, to see how the ocean is reacting to the upcoming storm.

The sky was a muted gray, the air was so cold I could barely handle the chill...

the ocean was calm the sand was free of footprints.

The gulls could feel it coming in the air.

This tree was made completely of shells, with names and messages written on them,

this snowman...shells also.

There are markers and shells at the base of the tree, so you can leave your name or a message.

Howe Street Beach, Bayhead, New Jersey

Today's positive thought...

This year my favorite experience was...

- watching the KC Chiefs play live at Giants Stadium -

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturdays Critters

Merry Christmas To All...

and to all a good night!

Today's positive thought...

The people I am with today...

- mean the world to me and have brought me so much joy -

 

Christmas Lights

Good morning friends on this the very special day before Christmas...

 

Last night, was the night for the big...

Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt

We do it every year, Mike partakes...and hot chocolate from Dunkin Donuts is a must.

It is a competition of sorts, at least for us it is...each of us get a copy of the prompts,

whoever finds the most, wins.

If you claim an item at a home, you are the only one who can cross it off.

You can get more than one item at a house, if you call it out first.

We put our flashing lights in the car on, drive super slow and have a ton of fun! 

I, of course, lost...the hubs and Mike tied!

We took a different route this year, most of these homes we have never seen before, 

but all are in our hometown. 

Today's positive thought...

Tomorrow, I am excited for...

- Santa, and for being with my family -