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sneaky peaky at my family's christmas eve partay.

this was our first LARGE gathering we've had in quite sometime.
i was SO happy my brother and his family were able to make it down from oregon this year, my mom was over the moon!

we all were supposed to wear ugly christmas sweaters but of course my doofus brother shows us up in an ugly christmas yeti two piece suit.

this is probably the only photo i have of the dessert i made for our party, i was literally packing up the car as the apple pie was still baking. when you work a full time job it can be hard to fit in everything you said you would be bringing to the party BUT i did it!

an instagram slideshow of my shortbread christmas bars! these babies are non negotiable for christmas time.. HAVE to have to have them.

I also made pandan cookies, brown butter chocolate chip cookies, and peanutella cookies too. every christmas party needs a tray of cookies.

oh and lets not forget the pies!

a few silly videos i shared on my instagram story of the pie prepping process. i made a sweet potato, pumpkin and an apple pie. perhaps filming might be something i do more often? video is always something i had distanced myself from, i am definitely one who feels IMMENSELY awkward in most things involving cameras and even more so with video since it captures e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. however it is pretty neat to have to look back on to that is more than just a still frame moment. maybe i'll find my own way.

if it was up to her, i think there would be way more twerking photos. 

my love!! having my best friend here this year and more for MANY more to come also makes my heart super duper happy.

this human she created is the coolest kiddo, i can't believe how FAST she is growing. 

she is the sweetest.

we got a bit loud when the white elephant game really got going. 

people were ruthless!! stealing gifts from kids and the elderly, no shame not when a movie poster or a coffee press is on the line. although you could have been extra lucky and ended up with the super sized container of colon cleanser.

not all gifts were created equally but hey now, that was the point.

me desperately trying to get my brother's attention, what the hell is new?! haha 

"sean take a photo with me NOW pleeeeease"

it felt weird that my dad wasn't there, our christmas eve party was his favorite, i think it will always feel a little weird.

i'm thankful this year had more laughs, hugs and tears of joy compared to last year when we were all a bit too sad. the grieving process is such a weird one. to all those who celebrated without someone you wished you could have i hope you all got extra hugs and cuddles to make up for it. nothing will ever fix it but hopefully with time and more love.. things will keep continuing to feel better.

xo

rita