Giving Thanks.

So this year I spent Thanksgiving away from family. I have done this once before (when I was in London for a couple days before flying home from my study abroad...but was able to spend it with my lovely friends Kendis and Lynzie and Kendis's sweet family). But this time it was different. I live away from home now. As in I have to fly home to visit for the holidays. I'm trying not to think about that return flight on December 27th too much. Anyway, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some things I am thankful for this holiday season. I happen to love this time of year (it's what keeps me excited working in the retail world...).

celebrating the birth of our Savior
soft scarves
family
caramel apple cider
helping people buy gifts
mistletoe
homemade desserts
christmas music
good books
fireplaces
linking arms to stay warm
long phone conversations with friends far away

And lastly, I am so thankful for sweet new friends that let me and Lauren spend Thanksgiving with them. Dinner was fabulous and tasted like it came from Martha Stewart's kitchen. Then to top it off Mackenna made the.most.delicious.pies.ever. The crust was buttery heaven and the filling was incredible. Homemade pumpkin and apple-cranberry from scratch. I even witnessed the apple peeling. Thanks for a lovely evening girls!

My best friend...

So this one time (a couple weeks ago...) my best friend Alexia Allred came to visit me in Washington D.C. It was the biggest slice of heaven I could have ever dreamed of. I loved having someone to share the city with. The weekend was the perfect mix of site seeing, talking, and relaxing. Some of the highlights include: seeing the White House (don't mind our big heads blocking the house, you want to us anyway right?), touring the monuments along the Mall and Tidal Basin (I have a better picture where her finger is actually on the very tip, I just can't tell which one it is), Mount Vernon (we spent all Sunday here and it was absolutely lovely), getting a tour of the Capitol by our dear friend Kendis (she did a very great job!), and getting burgers at Good Stuff Eatery! We had such a great time, I am so thankful for such a sweet friend.