The Good Life, It's the Life I'm Livin'

What's your favorite part about the holidays?

Is it eggnog spiked with as much Captain Morgan as 'nog?

Is it the full floor beneath the tree on Christmas morning?

Bulging stockings hanging over the fireplace, or on the TV stand, or the refrigerator, or in other weird places we must find if we're sans fireplace?

Y'all, I'm gonna sound like a goody two-shoes saying this, but my favorite part is the whole fam damily thing. {The food is awesome, though. I can't say I haven't eaten my weight in cookies over a 72-hour span... Note to self: the treadmill is your new best friend. Get to know her, and ASAP.}

The last week, I've been blessed to spend minutes upon hours upon days with my family. This means both the peeps who raised me and have put up with my shit and shenanigans for twenty-three years now, and the in-laws who have accepted me into their family despite my endless Southernisms and how I converted their son into a rootin'-tootin' Southern boy. <-- I make no apologies. It's not just a region; it's a way of life, people!

Last night we arrived at my parents' house for our Christmas with them.

The food and grown-uppy beverages have been endless.

For a few hours, the floor beneath the tree was full of packages. {We're pros at paper ripping and "yayyy thank you!"ing.}

Because my mom is awesome and is purposely unaware that the goodies are actually supposed to just fill up the stocking, we had a couch full of "stocking stuffers" equivalent to what most people receive for the entire holiday. {She LOVES filling stockings and I LOVE her for it!}

Oooooh, aaaaaah.

My my, lucky dude!

There's been some new boot-scootin'-boogyin', too.
How awesome are these babies?!

I feel like Buddy the Elf, wishing I could go around screaming, "I'M IN LOVE, I'M IN LOVE, AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!"

In love with family, of course. These are my people, and I'm still soaking it up. I love 'em, love 'em, love 'em.

So friends, I apologize for the unintentional bloggy break. I love Apple products as much as the next wacky Silicone Valley-an, but my laptopapotamus has taken a backseat to family, friends, food, and wine. Only the most important things in life, obviously.

There have been lots of puppy cuddles, too. I'll never complain about puppy cuddles. And if you ever have complained about puppy cuddles, your new nickname is Grinch Heart, three sizes too small.

The baby.

The old ladies, Jingle and Belle. Yes, we love Christmas. And yes, they're just so old ~ that's Bella's tongue hanging out of her mouth.
Poor little babies.

So, only 362 days until next Christmas!!!!

What, I'm an American. We're always looking for the next big thing, no?  ;)