Hello from Atlanta!  It’s so cold here (I know, I know…us S. Floridians are spoiled)!  But I’m not hating this boot wearing weather.  It’s actually a nice change!

Anyway, we got to my parent’s house late Friday night.  And you know what, the drive wasn’t that bad.  It was actually a lot of fun.  We listened to TED talks, played games (20 questions.  Ha!), talked about every possible topic under the sun, including the names of our future children, etc.  And we’ll get to do it all over again this coming Friday.  🙂

While our trip to Atlanta is only a week long this year, I think it’s going to be one of the best.  As you know, this is my FAVORITE time of the year.  And even though we don’t celebrate Christmas in the religious sense, we do spend time together as a family – talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.  Oh and eating – we do A LOT of that!  This past weekend we finished up some very last minute Christmas shopping, watched home videos, and indulged in good food (mom’s lasagna one night and falafel the next).  In a couple of days, I’ll be heading over to Vishnu’s house to spend time with his family.  In fact, both families are getting together on Christmas day.  Our first major holiday together.  Aww!

Our cute little Christmas tree (or Christmas pine cone as Vishnu likes to call it)!

The other night my sister and I were talking about our favorite holiday memories.  One of my favorite moments to look back on (literally since that was the year my parents bought a video camera) is Christmas 1990.  Aekta was just born, so I didn’t have to share the spotlight too much, and I was an excited six year old girl that had lots of presents under the tree.  In fact, I jumped and screamed while opening every single one (from a NKOTB pin to a calculator).  One of the very last presents was a huge box, and I had no clue what it was.  As I ripped off the wrapping paper, I started screaming – “I got a Nintendo!!!!  AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”  My reaction was priceless and borderline ridiculous.  I was excited…obsessed even.  I sat in front of the TV playing Mario Brothers over and over again.  Those were the days! 

Anyone remember blowing on the games to get them to work?!

I wonder what Santa brought me this year!!  There’s a pretty big box with my name on it under the tree… 

Beyond receiving fun presents, I really hope all of you are getting to spend time with loved ones this week.  Cherish those moments and create beautiful memories!