As luck would have it, things worked out so that Brad and I could plan a trip back to the states to celebrate the holidays with our families. The first leg of our journey landed us in Boston, where we met up with my mom, and sister. We enjoyed a turn through the Boston Museum of Modern Art, and some awesome pastries from a famous local bakery.
Before heading back to Hailey's house in the beloved Northeast Kingdom, Hailey, Brad and I went on a tour of the Sam Adams Brewery. It was great fun just kickin' it with my man and favorite sister! I really enjoyed learning how the bear was made, and all about the history of the brewery.
Even though it was a week early we had a good old fashioned Gentile
Thanksgiving, complete with pie for breakfast the next morning. It was
wonderful to get to spend some time with my family, which has been a
rarity ever since I joined the military. I really loved getting to spend some time cooking with my mom again. Its crazy how the things you used to think of a chore when you were younger can become the moments you cherish as you grow older.
We took in some of the local charms by strolling through the have it all general store, and grabbing a bite to eat out at the Parker Pie, a must if you ever find yourself in Glover, VT.
We drown our sorrows from dropping momma off at the airport in Ben and Jerry's ice cream and huge Thai lunch. It was a great last little outing before Brad and I headed on our way to WA for the rest of Thanks-Birth-MAS extravaganza.
This year was one of the biggest gatherings so far, with the addition of a few of Stina's college friends, a few new babies, and even cousin Sarah. The "I married a Carter" support group finally legitimized our club by taking our first group photo, and of course Denise had to have a shot of just her passel of grandchildren!
After photos we let the early Christmas madness ensue! There were presents, wrapping paper and babies flying everywhere!
After It was all said and done, Brad enjoyed the benefits of his flexible employment schedule, and stayed an extra week to soak up some more family and friend time, while I hoped a plane for the long trip back to Spain and back to work. The time we get with our families is never long enough, but time well spent all the same. Brad and I look forward to settling down some day and putting down some roots near the ones we love, but for now, we are going to continue to enjoy our world tour. Stay tuned to see what happens next!
Brad's brother Danny coined the phrase "BirthMas" a few years ago in reference to the unique holiday celebration ritual that has formed amongst the Carter/Foiles clan over the past several years. In light of the January birthday concentration coupled with scheduling issues, and mine and Brad's ever changing home base; whenever we manage to get all of the family together under one roof, we cover all the bases, and usually over the course of just one weekend! Thanksgiving, Christmas and all the January
birthdays, its quite the to-do.
After photos we let the early Christmas madness ensue! There were presents, wrapping paper and babies flying everywhere!
