21

This weekend was brilliant.

I wish I could say I was taking pictures the entire time, but honestly this was mostly a break from my shutter. And though I adore capturing the moment, I decided to just live it this weekend.

Mongolian food with my sister, brother-in-law and niece // sitting in a cupcake boutique at night while "Back to December" plays // staying up 'til 2:30 in the morning talking and laughing with my sister // figuring out who should be the cast in a modern "White Christmas" // watching The Backyardigans with sweet Emma in my lap // being mistaken for Alissa's twin // eating at Five Guys for the first time, out in the sun // finally being back home in my church // singing "O Come, Divine Messiah" // people in the grocery store I don't know telling me "Happy Birthday" // waking up and my mom giving me hot chocolate coffee to drink (a long-standing birthday tradition) // finally setting aside time to get my ears pierced // eating shrimp pasta at Ruby Tuesday // laughing and shopping at a gorgeous outdoor mall with the parents, Alissa and Emma // hearing Christmas music pipe down the sidewalks and seeing countless wreaths hung by the lanterns // finding perfect gray shirts and plaid flats in Old Navy // walking into Anthropology and realizing that the price tags in Old Navy are much less frightening // getting much loved phone calls from sisters and friends // going to the Cheesecake Factory for coffee and staying for dinner (as you see, there was a lot of food involved this weekend...) // having "Happy Birthday" sung to me there (humiliating yet memorable) // starting my Christmas shopping for folks, finally // my nephews giving me cards and a present that were honestly my favorite gifts ever // pink and white cake, with coffee ice cream // more birthday wishes than I ever deserve

It was full and bright. 

I'm thankful for every second of it. :)

Happy December, by the way! Has it seemed much, much different to you than November, so far?