1) Our first ever "Office Christmas Party" with Brian's job at Progressive. The party was, of course, in Roanoke at a local restaurant called The Metro. Let me first begin with the preparations for the night. First, like all women, I worried for about a month: "What am I going to wear?" Not knowing any of the people that Brian works with, I was at a loss as to the proper "Christmas Party Attire." Brian was not much help, though he did suggest that I not worry and wear what I wanted--typical response. So, Granny to the rescue, we went shopping. I found a beautiful dress at the always helpful B. Moss-which has quickly become my fav store. I got ready at Granny's house that night waiting for my knight to whisk me away to downtown Roanoke. Brian looked great in his outfit that he picked out against my will--to quote Brian: "No one else is wearing a tie." We got downtown and realized that parking was going to be an issue. So we walked through the Dickens of Christmas, which looked like more fun to me--because anything that involves cotton candy must be great. We finally made it to the Metro and quickly realized that we were out of our league. The people took my coat and took up upstairs to the private party section. It was a separate section with a private bar and lounge area. We got drink tickets and laughed because we don't drink, but the bartenders were nice and made me a fruity virgin drink. The food was, at first, rather scary. I just picked up anything I could and put it on my plate. Come to find out, I ate scallops, sushi, and crab and kind of enjoyed it. Brian was not as adventurous. It gave us a taste of being rich and famous, and I have to say I'll take middle-class anyday over raw fish and eggs. The night ended with a festive game of Dirty Santa. Brian ended up the always great Mr. Wonderful. At least it's an educational gift for him. We had a good time and it was great to put faces with the neverending work stories. Good times!
2) Our first house-well sort of...Brian and I made our first Gingerbread House together. He really enjoyed it. I had to fight for the icing bag. We loved making it together, but expected it to be a little more challenging. Our only problem were the stubborn peppermints not sticking. Some of my Martha Stewart training must be wearing off on Brian. We had quite a cute little house. Below is our pride and joy, if only we could live there!
I wish we could move in!
3) The Stone's First Pre-Christmas Williamsburg Trip: Brian's parent were nice enough to give us 3 days and 2 nights at a Plantation resort in Williamsburg. Brian went with us and was so very excited to be on vacation from work. Our first day we went straight to the Prime Outlets, which Keri enjoyed. The next day was Colonial Williamsburg and Keri enjoyed it not as much. Above is the classic sister pic of Keri and me all dressed up for Colonial times. Just another one of my obessions: I love hats! Below is a pic of Brian and Me in Colonial W-burg. He had just purchased Hot Apple Cider in a plastic cup, which I am almost positive was around in colonial times-hehe! O well we have to modernize some things I guess.
