Family time together

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We loved having our family here to celebrate Christmas even though it was the first of the year. Dave, Becca, Charlotte, Joel and Megan visited for a week starting Dec.30. We love spending time with them. Unfortunately Erik and I had to work but we still had a great time. We had Christmas dinner over at Grandma's house. She is so good at setting a beautiful table complete with centerpieces and  red goblets with fancy serving dishes. I served everyone tacos on paper plates. Go me!

We played so many games and got some new games. I liked sushi go party that plays with a large group. We played apples to apples and several games after the kids went to bed. Unfortunately Megan's car died so they had to drive our Taurus back home. I was hoping they would wreck it or something bad would happen to it but no such luck. We will get our Taurus back.

The ladies and I went out to eat to Melt (YUM!), Le Chocoholique (short north), and Panera. We also went out for duck donuts which is a made to order donut chain. I loved spending time with my sisters-in-law. 

duck donuts

 I have long known that my superpower is finding the perfect tupperware for food. I see other people struggle and put leftover food in containers too small or way too big and just shake my head. When I told everyone about this highly important superpower, Sarah made me a leftover woman sign to wear with a giant L. L is for leftover NOT loser....

Leftover Woman!

Dave, Becca, and Charlotte - we didn't get a pic of Joel and Megan!

After everyone left Grandma broke both feet. She is on her feet quite a bit so this has been hard for her. Hopefully she will heal soon. They had to cancel their trip to New Zealand.  Hopefully they can reschedule it for later this year.

One new game we got over Christmas was Forbidden Desert. This is a similar concept to Forbidden Island - a family cooperative game. However it plays with 5 players so we can all play. We love the game and have played it a few times. The kids really like it too!

Forbidden Desert

In other news:

1. I have two goals this year - to do 2 pull ups, floss my teeth every day. I gave up on no library fines. I just can't keep that goal. #fail
2. I've finished the Throne of Glass series by Sarah Mass. It is great! I also am on Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs (book 2 in Mercy Thompson) and in the middle of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Just reading through some fun fantasy. 
3. Jenna just finished the Mortal Instruments. I was unsure about letting her read it but I've just given up. She has read so much and I can't keep up with her. I love that series too.
4. Now I'm in charge of 8 faculty. I am a Senior Professor and just received this promotion in October. It's a great honor but wow - I'm not used to being a faculty lead. This seems like something outside of my comfort zone.