We drove to Washington, DC on Saturday to meet up with a couple of Rob's brothers and friends to celebrate the new year. I'm used to having a quiet but fancy party at my parents' house, and I was absolutely not prepared for New Year's Eve this year. We met up with my new blog-friend Melissa, and things got fabulous and completely ridiculous really fast.

 On the road.

 At dinner. Talking up that Paleo.

 Rob and his brother.

 New friends!

 Very lady-like pomegranate margaritas.

 Gals.

I like it when my friends are friends. This was like five minutes after meeting each other.

I have nothing to say about this one.

So, I hope you had the happiest of New Year's Eves this weekend. 

I know we did! 

Now go drink some water.

Here is a list of things that do not happen when Rob is on winter break and I get home from work at noon every day: 

• cleaning
•  laundry
• general productivity

Because when Rob is home all day with no work or school and I have practically the whole day free to do whatever my little heart desires, we end up sitting next to each other in bed with our computers all afternoon and taking lots of walks.

It's not too bad.

Oh, Christmas Tree.

Half of the magic that is my mom's marinated cheese.

Rocky never ceases to make my heart melt.

Ready for Christmas Eve mass.

I can never resist ABSOLUT's beautiful holiday bottle.

Paleo hummus.

My mom and Patrick's wonderful grandmother.

Patrick and I were both boyfriend-less for photos this year.

Christmas morning.

Cocktail-themed pajamas. Sean got bourbon, I have wine!

Brunch berries.

Barberry and Lace necklace for mom. (She can't sleep without a fan).

Mimosas.

Wrapping that turkey breast in bacon!

I'm back in Charlottesville and missing my family already. 

Are you guys back to a normal schedule or have you managed to draw out your holiday?