exams, a blot, & tacky sweaters

The past week has been pretty busy for me, as I'm sure it has been for you as well. I spent most of last week studying for my final exams which were on Friday. It paid off, with a 100% score on my computer exam! It feels quite rewarding doing well in school.
On Saturday, we went to the annual blot. We've been attending the blot for the past 5 or 6 years. Our friends, Jaimie & Johnathan introduced it to us & doing a quick research, the "blot" (also called a Sumbel) is a pagan ritual. It's a pretty cool thing: Usually outside with a bonfire, everyone stands in a circle with a drink of choice. The first round is a boast, something you've accomplished that year. (Usually there are two rounds of a boast). The next one is a toast, where you toast to someone.. it can be anyone, anywhere. (sometimes there are two rounds of a toast) The final round is the oath, to something you want to work on or accomplish the next year. This year, we tagged it the Snow-Blot since it was snowing, which made the entire experience even more beautiful & unforgettable.

Sunday was Erica & Doug's tacky sweater party. I couldn't gather everyone up for the group photo, but here's most of us.

My sweater didn't seem tacky enough for me so I pulled out the hot glue gun & raided my Mom's decorations boxes. Terry was rockin' the Cliff Huxtable sweater cardigan we found at a thrift store.

Not everyone was sportin' a sweater though.


There was lots of incredible food & desserts, some singing & jam sessions, hula-hooping, & of course the award for Tackiest Sweater. There were no doubts who it should be. Meet Bradley. ;)

more december festivities

Saturday was the county's holiday parade. Terry & I met up with friends & some of my favorite little ladies (notice all the pink) at Southwind to watch it from the porch. The day had a dampness to it, but we had hot chocolate & coffee to help us keep warm. The parade began a little early after it started drizzling.

Hannah was so happy with her candy!

Sunday was the annual wreath-making gathering. This year it was held at Lynn's (who works at Southwind & makes jewelry) workshop. There were 13 of us, the most ever! We all brought different kinds of greenery, decorations, food, & wine/beer. Time flew by & we had a great time.


I didn't take a picture of my wreath.. it looks the same every year actually. But here are 2 of them that were made that day.

our uninvited guests

The past few months, we've had a raccoon couple that have taken a liking to our yard. They've made themselves right at home, climbing up the oak tree & having picnics on our dock (sitting in the adirondack chairs even). Slowly, we've noticed that they're growing more & more comfortable with us. They hear us on the porch & don't scurry away, they just keep on feeding off the acorns. Well, one night recently we could hear one of them right outside our door. And sure enough.. there he was. We took about 20 pictures, getting quite close to him at times. At one point Terry hit him (accidentally) with the screened door, but he never ran away!

He's a cute little guy though, isn't he? ;)

weekend wrap-up

We spent Saturday evening with a fire, Mexican food, & some unexpected snow at our friends Robie & Shane's. I try not to get my hopes up when "snow" is mentioned in the forecast. But sure enough, we saw a few flurries. It was lovely! Oh how I DO hope there's more in store for us the rest of winter.

Sunday was the Grand Illumination in Williamsburg. This was the 4th year we've made it & is definetly my favorite way to bring in the Christmas season. Met up with friends, drank much-needed hot cidar, admired the wreaths, & finished the night with the best fireworks ever. What a cheery time of year!

hollydazzle

Last night we went to Hollydazzle, which is a free holiday event with entertainment & activities. It all leads up to a spectacular fireworks display over the fountain plaza.

When we first arrived (after lucking out by getting a prime parking spot), I was feeling a bit overwhelmed being surrounded by the estimated 30,000 people. We waited in line for 30 minutes for a gyro, but were lucky enough that "Polar Express" was being shown on an outside screen near the line.

There were bands & carolers, playing & singing Christmas music. A firejuggler, train rides, & free crafts for children to make & take home.

After finding an open area on the grass, we felt more comfortable. Lilli was pretty tired all night, but once the BOOM of the fireworks started she was up & jumping around.

And they were definetly worth the wait & the congestion. I felt like a little kid watching them. Bring on more December festivities!