joy!

Just got back from a fun and exciting trip to southeast, then south-central Alaska where we got to:

Catch up with old friends

Meet some new ones!

See trees again!

See my amazing and hard-working sister graduate from her nursing program. *so proud*

Catch up on a year's worth of hugs to my family

See most of Loren's family (we see them more, so not quite so many hugs to catch up on)

Eat lots of yummy food

usher in a period of intense separation anxiety with Sadie, who refuses be more than 3cm away from my person at any given moment now.

And now it is time to snuggle into our own nest for a while.  It was good to come home to a house smelling of Christmas tree and the wagging tails of the pups.  I am also excited to test out my new Christmas pressie from Loren:

I grew up with this book, and I totally guessed what was in package because I recognized the unique hollow sound it makes when you thump on it.  It has a familiar feel, like a favorite pair of jeans. 

(and by the time you're done cooking your way through this bad boy, your favorite pair of jeans probably won't fit anymore!)

I don't know how I've made it so far in my adult life with out this book on my shelf.  Probably because I always just call mom and ask her to look up the recipes for me.  Don't worry mom, I'll still call you!

Thanks for the awesome gift Loren (and Loren's shopping elves:)