happy 2013!!

And with all of the clean up I am finally taking the time to start learning how to use all of the wonderful gifts I received this year - the first being my new camera!! I was completely surprised with a Nikon D3200 from my in-laws, so now I have to learn how to use it other than on auto setting :) 

Rob & I took it easy for Christmas for ourselves this year - he added this greenish/teal bangle from JCrew to the two jackets we purchased.  I received a puffy North Face before Christmas, and then a wool toggle button Merrel jacket when it finally arrived after Christmas!  I surprised Rob with a new North Face fleece.  It was the year of the jackets for our house!

 With Rob on call the 21st-25th, we did Christmas with his parents on the evening of the 26th in Raleigh.  His parents surprised me with a new camera!  Rob received a ski jacket and clothes.  And now I need to get to learning this thing because it is not the same as my old film Canon.  

In between work and packing, I started playing with the camera on auto and manual settings by taking pictures around the house of Christmas decor.

 

A new pretty ornament we received from a family friend. 

 Colored lights on the bar.

 The stockings were hung on the bookcase with care ...

 Our silver bell collection - we receive a new one each Christmas since we were engaged in 2008.

  

 Here's what happens when I ask Rob to take a picture - looks like I have some teaching to do :)

We headed to Wilmington on Saturday morning to celebrate Christmas with my family.  It was the first time Rob has been to Wilmington since we moved in June! We can't let that happen again - we had some serious restaurant eating at our favorites in the 24 hours we were in town: Copper Penny, the OC, and Dixie Grill.   

Not the best focus, but my parent's mantle with our stockings hung. 

I was shocked last weekend when I went home because my parent's had the skinniest tree that has ever been in their house.  But it was full of lights and ornaments! 

My brother Rob opening gifts. 

Last year mom got a new car, this year I gave her a key chain to hold her keys seeing as she's been using the piece of ribbon tied to her key fob to hold her house keys! 

Dad received a new red Christmas tie to add for next year, since last year's green Christmas tie wasn't quite red enough :) 

 Jimbo super excited about the tie and socks we gave him - at least it was a skinny tie & happy socks :)

 Mom & dad gave me a Le Creuset pot I've had my eye on - can't wait to make soups in it!

It was the year of shoes at my family's house for Rob ... new running shoes and new boat shoes.

 And then of course, the infamous Mr. Right & Mrs. Always Right pillows. 

 And the gratuitous Kiwi picture ... she's one spoiled 15 year old cat.

My brothers teamed up and bought me (and Rob) a Dremel ... I had jokingly asked for power tools and have seen the Dremel in the blog world, so I'm super excited to get crafty with my Dremel 3000 as soon as I learn how to use all of the little pieces :)! 

Even with Rob working the holiday, we managed to enjoy every minute of it (and even extend it a bit)!!  We had a very merry Christmas and a happy (relaxing) New Year - we hope you did too!