I have been really, really a bad blogger lately. It's not that there hasn't been anything to share or no photos taken, it's just life has been busy. Earlier this week, the day after the x-mas party, I woke up ill. That just about knocked me out for 1 1/2 days. Then, the kids programs have been overwhelming. I feel like I've handed over hundreds and hundreds of dollars for teacher presents, tennis instructors, gymnastics, babysitters, curtains (i've finally ordered my first pair of really professional curtains in our family room. i feel like such a grown up - especially after seeing the price!), parties, x-mas presents, food, doctor's bills, pharmaceuticals, dance classes, etc. It never ends. In this country so much of it is cash, cash, cash. Very difficult getting these large amounts of cash all the time. But, 'tis the season.
The entire city is beautifully decorated with lights everywhere. Our home is completely finished and covered with lights indoors and outdoors. We have the fire going almost non-stop, the evergreen tree makes the entire home smell so festive and even the kids' rooms look like x-mas. Both of their rooms (the girls share) have their own uniquely decorated trees (these ones are fake). Mia and Ali's is only 90cm and is covered with purple lights, girlie ornaments, feathers, and silver sparkly stars. T's, on the other hand, it 120cm (he has a bigger room and is also alone in there) and has snowman lights, red x-mas balls and lots of cool, rustic ornaments. He broke his favorite ornament accidentally of a silver, sparkly empire state building that we bought in NYC last year. We're hoping he'll get a new one from his nana and papa as they'll be flying through and spending the weekend in NYC on the way to Budapest next weekend (hint, hint, nudge, nudge).
In addition to their trees, the kids also have x-mas lights in their rooms. T's are around the windows and he chose big red bulbs while the girls picked pink feathery lights that twirl around this supportive beam in their room. They are both very satisfied with their decorations and are convinced all the extra wattage will help Santa find and get to our home much quicker on the eve of christmas. Very clever!
On Friday, December 12th, my husband and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. I asked him if we could skip the gift exchange and instead just spend the day together. I usually prefer this way of celebrating but unfortunately work and travel (he was away last year) doesn't always allow it. This year it worked out well. And, since it was a Friday it gave us a 3-day weekend. We had a lovely day together starting with a couple's Thai foot massage. It was a 1 1/2 hour treat that was just heavenly. After, we checked into our hotel at Le Meridien downtown (it's a great time of year for us to have a night away as the rooms are all so, so cheap) where we were going to spend the night. From there we took a lovely stroll down the downtown walking street Vaci utca which is completely decked out for Christmas with a market, gluhwein stands, roasting chestnuts and lights, lights and more lights. Lunch was at our favorite Italian restaurant on the river, Trattoria Toscana.
In the evening we had our company Christmas party. It was at one of our old favorite hang outs - Fat Mo's. We had the venue all to ourselves. About 100 Move One people drank, ate, boogied and repeat... There was karaoke and a lot of laughter. Curt and I dragged ourselves out of there at around 2:30am while the place was still buzzing and most were not even thinking about an end being near.
Saturday brought our dear friends, Sue and Peter Tatrallyay into town. They spend the day, night and Sunday am with us. It was such a treat. They were visiting from Bratislava and always bring lots of fun and joy to our home. Another friend, Stephen Spinder, joined us for dinner and we spent 1/2 the evening playing Monopoly with the kids then Wii Fit. It was lots of fun and not too late of a night.
Now, we are waiting on our sitter as we get ready to head to a friend's home for x-mas cocktails.
Hope you are all enjoying this time of year. Wishing lots of love, peace and happiness (and good health, of course).
More soon. xoxoxo
