Happy February!

It's February already!!  I took an unexpected blog vacation, being busy with domestic and club activities.  I may have taken on a little too many things in my retirement!  

One of my projects after Christmas was to write up four family histories for a county history and families book our local genealogical society is publishing. One of my interests (and retirement buckle list items) is spending more time on genealogy.  I have a lot of the records of our family, and if you know anything about this 'hobby' you know it's interesting but addictive!  Every time I wanted to sit down and write a post on my blog, I'd think, "No, I have to get these done first."  With that as an excuse ... and several other commitments, well, I just realized it's February and it's been a LONG time since I posted. Here goes, I hope I remember how to do this!

We are really loving our new home!  Having a space that made entertaining easier was on our 'new house list' and I must say it's made hosting gatherings for family and friends much more pleasant - both inside and out.  Here are a few photos of Christmas with my side of the family.

The kitchen was large enough to allow for visiting, snacking AND working. (Below Favorite Son and his Sweet Lady are carving the smoked ham.)

Foosball in the basement Lodge area. 

                                                                      

And lots of togetherness when the kids opened their gifts.

On New Year's Eve, we hosted a dual graduation party for Precious Daughter and Favorite Son.  Both met these milestones this year but with selling our old home, building the new one and moving (not to mention a wedding and settling into new jobs..), we never had a party for them.  I was so busy, I didn't get any pictures.  :(   But, the weather was nice enough that we could use the grilling area for many of our guests.  J grilled chicken wings so he had plenty of help!

Here are a couple of pictures of our graduates!

I'll close for now with a few pics of our great room.  I'm really loving the shelves and storage!   Notice I found the perfect area rug.  :)

The inspiration came from HERE.  I found it on Pinterest.

I think my builders came pretty close, don't you?!  

Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your visits and comments!  I promise I'll post again soon.  Happy February!!

Zenda          

Linking to these fun parties:
     
Tuesday At Our Home
Home Matters
Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Sweet Home
Sweet Inspirations
Foodie Friday and Everything Else
Amaze Me Monday
Dishing It and Digging It
Metamorphosis Monday 
The Scoop
Share Your Style