on a cold winter’s night that was so deep

The Christmas holiday of 2010 was special because I was able to visit with all of my parents and siblings! My sister flew in from NY (as always) and spent a few days with me to do some wedding planning and shopping. Then we headed to my mom’s where we had our annual seafood dinner – this time with lobster!

We started with oyster shooters. Not my favorite thing.

But the rest of the food was delicious! When we visit with my mom, one thing’s for sure: we are well fed.

While we were there, we started on some DIY crafts for my sister’s wedding. We’re creating some fabric flag banners to hang as decoration.

“Lord help the mister, who comes between me and my sister. And lord help the sister, who comes between me and my man!” I heart White Christmas!

Next up was my mother-in-law’s for Christmas. There, we learned that African cats do not like snow.

Then we spent a few days with my dad and his girlfriend-turned-fiancee! My dad popped the question to his girlfriend of 9 years ON CHRISTMAS DAY! We were ecstatic to hear the news!! It was great to spend a few days with them in Chicago. I hadn’t seen my dad in a year and a half!!

I gave my dad a telescope t-shirt for Christmas and he totally geeked out about it.

We went to a local bocce ball court and had some wine and beer and played some bocce. Of course my dad, the engineer, had to measure for accuracy.

The next day we went downtown to the Art Institute. Luckily, this year it wasn’t sub-zero temperatures like the year I took everyone to Shedd Aquarium.

After the museum, we walked down the walkway from the Modern wing which plopped us right into Millenium Park.

We had fun taking pictures of the Bean until our faces were numb.

I took a picture of my sister taking a picture of my dad and Julie taking a picture of themselves in the Bean.

Our final visit of the holidays was with my father-in-law and his girlfriend and my siblings-in-law. We had a great dinner at Cooper’s Hawk and a nice visit. As always, my two weeks off of work flew by. I ate to much and was spoiled with gifts, but I enjoyed every minute with my family.

See the rest of my pictures from Christmas 2010 on Flickr.