Monday, December 26, 2011

That isn't coal, it's chocolate

I'm a happy girl today, after a weekend of Christmas Cheer.

I kicked off the weekend with lunch with two of my favorite running buddies, my sis in law Jeannine, and friend Norine.  We were the last people in the restaurant when we finally left, we usually get all that chatting done while running, but this time we did it over panini's and a glass of vino.

Later that day, I did an annual exchange with our Jewish neighbor, he gave us a plate of his fabulous latkes, and I gave him a plate of Christmas cookies, the best of both worlds.  We then headed to a party down the street.  It's nice to be able to walk to a party.  But it's not so good to be able to walk to a party.  Our street was very quiet the next morning, I think there were a lot of hangovers to be had.  

We went to my sister in law's for Christmas Eve, for the Feast of Fishes.  I had 5 of the 7, a bit of haddock, shrimp, a scallop, crab legs, and a bit of pasta in anchovy sauce.  There was a really good green salad, and stretch bread for dipping in tomato oil. I could have made a meal just of the bread, seriously.  

We really felt the absence of Mike's Dad, we visited him on Christmas Eve, and Mike went again on Christmas Day, but it didn't feel the same without him.  My Mother in Law has been staying with us, so I think it was nice for her to see the kids open their gifts on Christmas morning. 

The kids have been a bit naughty lately, and there was much talk about how Santa might be leaving coal in their stockings instead of presents.  After the kids were asleep, Mike made a trail of chocolate coal up the stairs.  




Luke knew it was candy the second he saw it. 


He was absolutely thrilled with his Lego Alien Conquest set.  






Eliza was happy to see that she got the cupcake robe she requested.





Surprisingly, my two favorite gifts weren't running related, Mike gave me a Keurig coffee maker, and a set of Marty Moose Mugs.  

You know you're jealous.





But at 1:05 on Christmas Day, my sister in law gave us the best present you could ask for, a new baby niece, Mia Maureen!! They live on Long Island, so we haven't seen her, but I can't wait! 

We had dinner at home, Mike made prime rib, and I did something different with the potatoes this year, I roasted them by following this recipe from Ina Garten.  They were gooood. 





And now what am I going to do with my Day After Christmas?  The toys need to be organized, and the house put back together, and I'm going to go for a long run.  I've been hitting the treadmill, but I need to get outside and just GO.  


Let's see what kind of power those potatoes will give me. 

18 comments:

Lisa said...

Looks like FUN! I'm glad your MIL stayed with you - that had to help her a bit. I'm sorry that your FIL wasn't able to join you - praying for him!
Have fun on your long run

Jason said...

Looks like a total blast. Only in NY can you exchange latkes for christmas cookies with your next door neighbor. That is awesome.

Enjoy that long run!

Raquelita said...

Haha! I love the chocolate coal!

Enjoy your run!

Unknown said...

Those pictures of the kids are awesome... especially the one of Luke! Too funny!

Sounds like you have had a great holiday - love all of the traditions!

And congrats Aunt Molly on the new niece! :)

ajh said...

Jealous of the coffee maker! Hope your run was a good one.

TriMOEngr said...

Thinking of you during this tough time for your husband's family. The last three Christmases have been tough with losses in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Just not the same without these important people here with us.

LOVE the pics of the kids. I'm sure they made your mil's day brighter. Those potatoes may have as well. Yum! Hope you had a great run.

misszippy said...

Salivating looking at those potatoes! Sounds like a great holiday weekend. I laughed about the quiet street following the party...a good time had by all!

And we have one of those alien sets at our house too...many, many pieces!

Suz and Allan said...

Those potatoes look yummy! Sounds like you all had a great time!

Anonymous said...

Looks like you had a fabulous weekend and indeded those potatoes look fantastic! Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

Black Knight said...

Your kids look very happy with their presents.
Potatoes are my favorite food, I hope they gave you the power for a great run.

RunToTheFinish said...

love the exchange with your neighbor what a fun tradition.

Oh marty moose, those are AWESOME!

Amy said...

Love the coal chocolates! Where did you find those? We needed some for the BF's nephew - he wasn't too sure if he'd been too good or too bad for Santa this year and had some confessions in his Santa letter this year!

Caratunk Girl said...

Those chocolates are so funny! I am jealous of the Marty the Moose mug for sure!

Caratunk Girl said...

Those chocolates are so funny! I am jealous of the Marty the Moose mug for sure!

Unknown said...

I need those chocolates next year. Let me rephrase that: my kids need those chocolates next year.
That coffee maker is a hot commodity (pardon the pun). I know a lot of people who can't find them anywhere.
Looks like your family had a super Christmas. Dinner looked delicious.
Happy Holidays.

Liz Mays said...

The mugs he gave you are too fun! Glad the kids are so happy with their gifts, and that the day was great. :) I'd eat that chocolate coal before the kids ever saw it. ;)

Anonymous said...

That chocolate trail is great! My mil has a keurig, and it's always fun to use it at her house. Glad you had a nice Christmas!

Anonymous said...

How awsome you do a Christmas block party. What a cool neighborhood.

I love the moose mugs. Such a great gift idea.