Winter break with my little family of four has been many things for these past two weeks. I relished in our closeness as we played games by the fire. I almost pulled all my hair out listening to the endless bickering between Big Brother and Little Sister as they spent the last two weeks with each other 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Surprisingly, they bonded. We all bonded.
We laughed, we cried, we sang, we decorated, we ate, we traveled, and we had new experiences. It was crazy, fun, quiet, and loud. We had (mostly) a lovely time.
We rode The Polar Express, we watched Little Sister dance in her Christmas recital, we admired spectacular Christmas lights, we spent a nice evening with friends who are truly like family, we spent a miserable hour out in the darkness amid rain/wind/mud waiting for a secret Santa adventure that was never to be, we hosted family for a New Year’s Celebration, and finally the highlight was spending two nights in the heart of San Francisco.
So yes, we had a great, crazy, busy, and fun time. We have some stories to share. But you know what? I missed writing. I missed blogging. I missed all of you.
While I am a bit sad to see our winter vacation come to an end, I am quite happy to get back on a schedule and do some more writing.
I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday with your families and I look forward to reading about all of your adventures.
What was the highlight of your winter break? Are you looking forward to getting back on schedule and getting the kids back to school?
Happy New Year! Oh Melissa, your vacation sounded like so much fun. I LOVE San Francisco. Of course, it sounds like other highlights were spending time with close friends and getting a chance to bond as a family (in spite of all the bickering in between). We were sick this vacation, so we mostly stayed in and rested, but now we've finally got the energy to start 2011 on the right foot. I can't wait to hear more about your adventures…
No no no. Winter break is over so that means I. Have to go back to work. This is terrible. Thankfully I am only working for a week before I go on maternity leave. But this week is going to be pure evil. I have to turn in grades and my first three weeks of lesson plans by the time I leave work at 2:45 on Friday. My intention was to get some of it done over this two week break, but I didn't even check my email.
The best part of these two weeks was spending a little extra QT with my hubby, who snuck home early a few times. We're enjoying our last few data as a childless couple, but spending most of it dreaming about Bug's arrival.
It sounds like you have been very busy! I bet San Francisco was amazing!
I'm glad you had such a nice holiday! I missed your blogging too!
Our break isn't over yet. We still have another week to go. Oh joy!
Wow sounds like you had a great time, never been there but its on my list! Happy New Year to you
I'm so with you! It was nice to not have to leave the house for a couple weeks, but I kinda want to get the show back on the road, too.
Glad you had a good holiday! Welcome back! You were missed. I bet San Fran was wonderful. I am looking forward to getting there someday.
happy new year melissa! it sounds like such a fun holiday. my highlight was four days to ourselves (just the three of us) where we stayed at my aunt's vacation house and lounged in our pj's all day long.
we only got out of them to go hot-tubbing (in the snow!) and then put them back on. it was glorious – four days of doing NOTHING. 
of course i loved being with my parents and family as well. lots of highlights for us this year! BUT, i too am glad to get back into "normal" life – a schedule (nap schedule!) and blogging and the comfort of my own house/bed/kitchen!! also, i wanted to let you know that i mentioned you on my blog yesterday. thought you'd like to know! 
We missed you too! Next time you're planning to be in SF we must meet…advance planning is required though.
we rode the Polar Express, too!!! it was tons of fun.
my toddler is not in school or daycare, but our daddy had xmas break of nearly 2 weeks for the first time in his working life. it was pretty exciting and it was sad when it was over
Sounds like a great holiday!
And Happy New Year!
I always have mixed feelings about coming back from holiday as well.
Love those bonding stories. Sounds like a fun vacation! Happy new year to you!
It sounds like you used your vacation to get the fullest out of it.
What fun experiences!
Except maybe for the bickering which I think has to happen too or we would want to keep our children at home with us forever.
(I also think that's the same reason teenagers happen. Just saying.)
Happy New Year! And WELCOME BACK!
Sounds like a delightful time! I think Christmas morning and New Year's Eve were my favorites. We had a nice holiday too!
We are back to our normal routine. I love getting to see playgroup friends and go to storytime at the library.
Glad you had a wonderful holiday!
Hi,
i just found your blog and read few posts.I always appreciate the moms who share their lovely everyday stories.I have a 3 year year old son and live in uk.
of course we had a wonderful christmas break and glad you enjoyed it too.
love
I've missed you, too! ;0) I haven't hardly visited a blog while the kids were out of school. Too much craziness going on around here. So, yes, I am so glad to have some routine again!! (They went back today.) I think they were glad for it, too.
The highlight? Probably Christmas day. It was just the four of us without distractions. We read the Christmas story and played a bunch of board games. It was nice. And getting my teenager to play games with us was a Christmas miracle. (I think she even enjoyed it. Gasp!)
Hi Melissa,
I took a little blogging break over Christmas, too. And I found myself missing all my blogging friends!!
Happy New Year and glad to have found your blog this year!
Life is funny.
If we don't have ebb and flow, we can't appreciate either.
Happy to know that you enjoyed your break, but that you're also enjoying a return to routine now. Life is so beautiful.
We've always talked about doing the Polar Express, but we wondered if Matthew was even old enough this year.
Maybe next Christmas…he'll be two. How is that possible?