Christmas in Connecticut

Since Mike and I usually leave the East Coast for Christmas, we have made a little tradition out of attending brunch with my DuPont family at the country club back in Connecticut.  Mike hasn't been able to join the past two years because of a few conflicts we had with Winston and last minute shopping duties, but THIS year, the three of us took the Jeep out (for only the SECOND time since we bought it!) for a winter weekend in the country.

It was snowing when we left New York City and while it was absolutely beautiful in Manhattan, it was even more of a Winter Wonderland once we arrived in Connecticut.  The snowflakes were coming down in sheets for almost 24 hours straight - leaving my aunt & uncle's house covered with almost a foot of fluffy powder.  Naturally, that was the perfect setting for a mini-photo shoot with Winston...naturally.

But we were ALL (especially Winston) in heaven as we huddled inside by the fireplace and snuggled under big cozy blankets to watch one of my favorite Christmas movies - the Holiday.

Brunch was the following day and as usual, it was a fantastic spread. After over three years of the Connecticut brunch weekend - I've mastered the buffet table, which I'm extremely proud of!  But of course the company was the reason for the 2.5 hour drive through the snow.  Between December 1st and the 19th, Mike and I had made plans each "school night" of the week in an effort to see every friend and work colleague in the city before disappearing for the Christmas break.  But family is the best part of the season - and I couldn't be MORE grateful for the Connecticut family I have just a quick car ride away.  Even if it's just for one night, or for one 4 hour lunch - I absolutely LIVE for these days.

We are going to miss our Connecticut family over the holidays.  I'm not ashamed to say that as we were pulling out of the driveway to head back to the city - I got a little emotional.  I just wish that there was a way we could ALL be together over the holidays.  With both sets of parents being so far away, it's so refreshing and humbling to know that we have family just a train ride or a Jeep ride away.  We'll be back in Connecticut (likely again before the end of 2013), but I'm thrilled that for the first time, all THREE of us were able to get away for a little Connecticut weekend escape with some of the best people I know!  Can't wait to find some more excuses to head back!