Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Well, no, not really. The sun is shining and a nice breeze is blowing and the kids are screaming and having fun in the backyard.

But the leaves are turning and there's a definite nip in the air that says Summer is gone. (well, and the calender says that too, of course)

Today I brought up with George what plans he'd like to make for the holidays. We likely won't be straying far from home this year. We visited family in California last year for Christmas, and family in Utah for Thanksgiving the year before that. We always like to spend our babies' first Christmases at home, so going anywhere for Christmas this year is out, which leaves only Thanksgiving. And we have no where (we want) to go. (remembering that we have a 7 month old now. not the best company to have along for a two-day road trip)

The holiday season is probably the only time of year where I wish we lived closer to family. Or, perhaps if I'm completely honest, it's the time of year when I wish *other* people - our friends - didn't live closer to family. It's a bit awkward feeling like you're crashing in on someone's holiday traditions when you spend a major holiday with them and their extended family. You don't "get" the family jokes. There's no stories of days-gone-by to reminise about and rehash and pass on to the next generation when most of the people in the room are people you've never met before in your life, and aren't likely to meet again.

But there's a bright side - you learn other people's family stories; you learn their history; and you get a peek at how they view the world and who and what shaped who they are today. It can be very interesting, like peaking through their medicine cabinets, except it's not done in secret. (note: I've never gone through anyone's medicine cabinets! however I'm not to be responsible for reading a perscription label here and there on a bottle that was left on the counter next to the toilet in a bathroom with no magazines!) There's also the perk of not having to cook your own holiday meal, if you're invited over; or, if you host, you get to show off your family recipes, which maybe those people haven't had the benefit of tasting before. (because of course, MY family's recipes are the best :0P)

So now comes the hemming and hawing of "Who do we invite?" and "Who's invitation would we accept if offered?" (cuz, you know, we're so grateful like that) But even if we end up celebrating solo, it'll be an interesting holiday season, and we'll count our blessings. :)