Christmas in Kentucky

Well, my sister lives across from a horse farm.  She's surrounded by them and it's pretty amazing.

This one even got a carrot after it gave me stink eye for showing up without one. LOL


Once T was up and about - he and Solara built the Oreo cookie house.  It was a nice change from the old gingerbread house that none of us really love.


He ate more candy than decorated... I drank wine and laughed...


Anyone have any insulin??


It was a family affair




And my nephew had the best idea yet - LOL


The next night we drove to the Christmas house...




We learned the history of the candy cane... which I think I read before a(and of course my child knew all of it) but we either didn't or forgot...








Next day we got out of the house and took a walk ...then Z played a little game of fetch the soccer ball with Tristan, LOL


On Christmas Eve after a yummy dinner and some fun RACKing people...

T gave a silly gift to all... and we had some fun taking pictures!








Even Dexter joined in (unwillingly)


Something about this really gets me.  Maybe it's the true spirit of Christmas shining.  Maybe it's because all the fun and silly and Santa and gits... needs to bow to THE GIFT because THIS is what Christmas is about. It just resonates with me.

And I feel the sadness coming home that it's all over. I have another 11 months until this joy fills me to the brim but why is that? Why don't I always have that?



And I wrestled this season with my unbelieving family.  It terrifies me but I know I'm not their savior.  All I can do is celebrate and honor their beliefs as they do mine. Celebrate. I wish I found more ways to celebrate Hanukkah - maybe a menorah ... to pull in some of what they love too. I should have.  Maybe I can and will when we are hopefully all back together in 4 years.


We had silly things to share... and a favorite was the sticky poop.  I think we played with it more than Tristan did!  Well done Solara!!


and my boy had ONE ask... crab legs.  so while we all snacked on various things... he feasted.


I decided to take T to this castle for breakfast. Never been and just wanted to go. I'm sure it's much more stunning in summer but I just had to see it.

some info...

Castle in Versailles KY History
Versailles, Kentucky, that is, near Lexington. ... They bought 53 acres in Kentucky's horse farm country and started construction in 1969. The building went slowly because the plans kept getting bigger, and the castle was still unfinished when the Martins divorced in 1975.
 The Kentucky Castle is a farm to table restaurant, boutique hotel, and event venue located minutes from Keeneland Race Track, the Kentucky Horse Park and the Lexington Airport. The Kentucky Castle features 14 stately guest rooms, an elegant ballroom, Bourbon Bar, gardens, and so much more.

 https://myoldkentuckyroadtrip.com/2011/09/20/versailles-lexington-road-castle/








Small but yummy breakfast.  Thanks for treating us Mom, sorry I put the receipt in your coffee mug! LOL




Later that day we headed over to see John and Ginger and the kids.  After a few, they were comfortable together and played... I know what that awkward first few minutes are like but they figured it out!!

Collin, Cash & Tristan


That night we headed back to say goodbye to Gwen and pack up as we were leaving the next day.  I was ready to get back home but I always savor moments with family.  Especially my silly and amazing nephew. He is seriously one of the coolest, laid back people I know.  


It was so fun telling and hearing stories, learning more about Gwen and her husband Jack. It was fun laughing and telling stories and it makes leaving hard. Just reminds me of the decision I made to leave home at 18. It was good, I made a life for myself but it was at a cost. I pray that I always can stay close to Tristan and his family.  To my family - that I can always afford to visit.  It's everything.

Reflection is hard, but good.  And while I feel more melancholy than happiness about 2019, I'm thankful for another shot in 2020.  May I choose well. Everyday is a new chance to choose joy, be kind, content and grateful.  Merry Christmas world!

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