Eric,

Wow, where to begin! We've had so much going on it's hard to even remember it all. Christmas was nice this year, as usual. I got to go up to Madison and visit my family before you made it up 2 days before Christmas. We cheated this year on Grandma's Christmas tree, we bought it from the Boy Scouts. That's what happens when it's left to Ann and I. There was a small crew who did the Christmas Eve hike, although we altered it this year to the Hoover's Camp access road to accomodate Linda since it was her FIRST hike ever and this trail was shorter, flatter, and less exposed to the high winds we had that day. She slept the whole way though! I had to drive dad's Jeep to get to the parking area, I am glad I was driving instead of you... you would have had a little too much fun I think. Everyone seemed to like the baskets I made and you helped with (by driving many many miles, and trying them all on your head). I am just glad it is the end of the basket making!! And Mom loved her P. Buckley Moss print, which you drove many miles for as well. It was already hung in her living room before we left!

We made the dashing trip up to PA to see your family, including your MomMom who your family seemed to be worried about, so it was good that we got to see her while we were there. We saw lots of other friends and family as well, and once again you almost had me crying when we left because you fed me so much food!! I think you get enjoyment from that :) We brought half a cheesesteak back as leftovers, which my dad evidently liked, as he scarfed it all down after we offered him a taste.

You drove the cats back from Madison to Raleigh, although I think your motivation was to get them sick so you could give them a bath! I made sure they got their pills, and sure enough neither of them threw up, although there were some bathroom accidents, and I did notice you stopped to try to clean it up, and when you weren't successful, you had to roll the windows down a little for the rest of the trip. I thought it'd be nice to not have to worry about them on the car trip with me, but I ended up worrying about them anyways.

First thing on the agenda when we got back in Raleigh was Linda's baptism. We got to see Jessica's family again, which is always fun. I have no doubt you will remind Linda at the most opportune moment about how she loudly made poopy diapers during her baptism. The crochet dress Jessica made for Linda was beautiful, and fortunately stayed white.

Next came probably my favorite part of the whole vacation. A FULL week in Raleigh with nothing to do!!!! I had not stayed in Raleigh for any vacation since I moved here 6 years ago. We picked several places to go hiking during the week, we watched lots of Friends episodes (thanks Ann!), watched some Netflix movies, went out to dinner at my favorite restaurant in Raleigh (Hayes Barton), and hung out with some friends for a laid back New Year's! I also managed to get you to the bridal show on Saturday (I think you sampled every food they had) and you were the best helper! We got interviewed for a news clip airing that night, but evidently only I made the cut :) You also helped me get some chores done and I helped you watch football. Eagles are still going! We'll see what happens this weekend! Oh and VT won their bowl game, although no thanks to me who fell asleep before kickoff. At least I proved to you that they CAN win without me being awake! After your "staying up late" training for New Year's, I guess I just needed some sleep.

I had a great Christmas and New Year's and week "true" vacation and I wouldn't have wanted to share it with anyone but you. Now back to the real world (work, school, working out, wedding planning, etc), I think I'm exhausted already, but can't wait to get home to see you!

All my love,
Sarah