It’s amazing how quickly Christmas comes and goes as the years go on. Maybe it feels even faster since our holiday centers on a speedy-yet-satisfying trip back home – the norm for my last seven Christmases (and more for Jeff). Whatever the case, I’m always super giddy to board the late-December flight east to Detroit to celebrate with the families and friends we’ve known and loved our whole lives.
Disclaimer: My camera didn’t make as many appearances as it should have. I missed some really wonderful times, such as a trip to East Lansing to visit the Bellolis, meet their adorable little 11-month-old Nina, and visit with Tillman (who was the first visitor to our Portland apartment), Joey (who conquered the Cartathlon with us in May) and Folino. I also forgot to capture the one big night out with my friends – Ashley, Ashley, Jenny, Vanessa, Rachel, Lesley, Sharpie and Mike – at Village Inn in my hometown Linwood. Stupid me. In both instances, all the lively reminiscing and catching up must have distracted me! At least I got quite a few family photos throughout the week…
But first – before we packed our bags for our trip to the Midwest, we toasted the season with an ugly holiday sweater dive bar crawl in our Northwest Portland neighborhood. Jumping from Joe’s Cellar to Quimby’s at 19th to 21st Avenue Bar & Grill, the crew drank plenty of dive bar-appropriate PBR and enjoyed the semi-mild weather that let us walk around town without winter jackets covering our sweater awesomeness.
The bar crawl crew: Travis, Ryan, Bryan, Jeff, Shawn, Lindsay, Daniel, Becky, me and Jessica
Back to our week-long trip to the Mitten State: Jeff and I spent the first half with his family in Brighton, and the second half with my family in Linwood. The traditions remained the same, from the early-morning trip to Detroit’s Eastern Market with the Krasses, to waking up with the entire Redick clan early Christmas morning to open presents. Throw in a trip to Coney Joe’s for our coney dog fix, a couple unsuccessful trips to Mid-Michigan casinos, an award-winning pizza dinner at Linwood Hotel, and plenty of bonding time with our little nieces, and it was a wonderful trip that left our souls brimming with love and happiness.
…and, of course, we picked up colds along the way to bring back to Portland. 🙂
As for ringing in the new year tonight, we’re still nailing down a plan with the neighbors – something along the lines of a dinner, movie, and back patio viewing of the ball drop. Goodbye 2012, hello new year!
Mama bear getting her paws on Jeff
Festive atmosphere at Vivio’s in Eastern Market, 8 a.m. the Saturday before Christmas
Vivio’s crowd: Uncle Ric, Bob, Aunt Sue and Aunt Ginny
Vivio’s crowd: Chris and Mrs. and Mr. Mooradian
Vivio’s crowd: Eric, Charlie, Terri and Uncle Chuck
Touching base in one of the sheds at Eastern Market
Ah, the eclectic musicians…a reminder of our new home Portland…
Posing with Mr. Detroit himself (and he has the papers to prove it!)
Mr. Detroit sharing stories with our crew at Bert’s in Detroit
Aunt Elaine showing off her new sunglasses (Rob is obviously awestruck)
Jeff and Uncle Ron at the Krass family Christmas
The Krass men: Uncle Paul, Uncle Roger, Uncle Ron, Bob, Rob and Jeff
Hey ladies! Aunt Roxanne, Amy, Aunt Elaine and Mrs. Rzepka (Amy’s mom)
Two bros and their pop: Rob, Bob and Jeff
Welcome to Christmas Eve at Grandma’s house!
Jeff testing Uncle Ron’s latest home brew
The present-opening begins at Grandma’s house!
The fam at Grandma’s
The annual Redick kids photo
A late birthday cake for Jeff (with Ava giggling madly about surprising him with trick candles)
Uncle Jeff doing double-duty with Macy and Ava
Must-needed cup of coffee early Christmas morning
Same scene, same room for more than 30 years running
Lori and Ava kicking things off with stockings
Troy joining in the early-morning fun with Shelly and the fam
Dad and Mom
Jeff and our goddaughter Macy
Kids night out at The Cabin in Linwood
Lovebirds Troy and Shelly
…and the old married couples, Cory and Lori, Jeff and me
Modeling sequined New Year’s Eve dresses with Aunt Shelly
Last night in town: Village Inn
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