My first Aussie Christmas

A belated Merry Christmas to you all!

I hope everyone had a fantastic day filled with food, family, and fun. 

I was prepared to be some sort of mess on my first Christmas away from my family - ever- but all was well. Between all the food, preparing of food, eating of food, and having the best time hanging out with both sides of Will's rather large family, I thankfully didn't have any time to be blue. 

Christmas Eve was COLD, so it actually felt like Christmas at home. Christmas day was another story, but I must admit that it was pretty glorious drinking champagne out in the sun and having our lunch outside at a beautifully set table. There was even a game of cricket, which I will need more practice at. I thought watching Will play so much would result in some sort of skills osmosis, but nay.

So all in all, a fantastic Christmas! 

Plus, I'm incredibly tan. What more could I ask for?

Funny story: Will and I went camping (my very first camping trip) with some friends recently and, long story short, had an incident in which the campsite was burned down. Hence this gift. And I got camping magazines. Cheeky!

There's no place like home

Last month I was lucky enough to make a trip back home for a dear friend's wedding. 

While we were there, we stayed on through Thanksgiving and had

 ourselves a grand old time. 

There was inordinate amounts of food, lots of catching up with friends, and so many pet cuddles.

This is probably a very common observation, but I think it takes leaving a place to really understand how much it means to you. 

It turns out I missed home more than I thought- and not just because I can't get bean and cheese tacos or cuddle with Chester & Henry down here.

In true "home" fashion, being back there felt like I never left. Isn't that the best?

The first thing I asked for upon arrival in San Antonio was a bean and cheese taco (duh) and queso. My stomach said "THANK YOU SO MUCH I'VE MISSED YOU LIKE CRAZY OH MY GOD."

And of course I was delighted to be reunited with my furry friends. 

I got to catch up with all the people I love, which was so good for the soul!!

We even had Will's little sister there for Thanksgiving! She's studying abroad in Wyoming, so it was great to be able to show her what Thanksgiving is all about, not to mention meet my family. 

Thanksgiving was a success, as usual, and I ate all the things. I've yet to miss a Thanksgiving, so when I finally do it is going to be a very depressing day.

There was also the aforementioned wedding + time in Houston with some besties andddd a gender reveal party for Ronnie! It was a busy, blissful two weeks.

And for the icing on the cake, a seven hour layover in L.A. meant a nice stroll in Santa Monica plus delicious dinner and drinks with my dear Julianne.

It was a whirlwind, but so worth the trip back. I must admit it was a bit hard to leave, but I am still so thankful for this experience I am having. 

Until next time!

Melbourne at Christmastime

Some snapshots of Melbourne at this joyful time of the year!

Our building has a beautiful tree that welcomed us back when returned from Texas.

Living in the CBD means we are around all the major Christmas decorations put up by the city. The main shopping road has lights all the way down that remind you it's Christmas even when it's 80 degrees!

There is an awesome projection show at the Melbourne Town Hall that showcases Christmas around the world.

I'm still getting used to a Southern Hemisphere Christmas (though let's be honest..it only recently even got warm!), but you can't beat beautiful days in a beautiful city.

Our apartment isn't lacking Christmas spirit either!

All the Ryan + partners stockings. Please note that mine has Chester, Henry, and a kangaroo on it. I happen to think mine is the very best!

After panicking over the fact that Will's parents didn't yet have a tree, off to the bush we went to cut one down!

The days have been warm, and I am in top tan form...in December. It is both awesome and a little bittersweet. 

I think the US goes more "all out" for Christmas, though I've been pleasantly surprised by the decorations and festive music here in the city. 

And most American-like of all...the stores are packed to the rafters and open until midnight this week. Capitalism!

Merry Christmas, everyone!