In Summary ...

We took some time and traveled back to our families in Florida where we spent our first Christmas together. These two weeks have been a whirlwind and though I got to catch up on my rest, the trip wasn't exactly "restful" since we were bouncing around from my Mom's house to my Dad's to Mr. SG's parents and grandparents ... we wanted to see everyone!! Se below are a few pictures to summarize the holiday since I was a negligent blogger.

Our first big social event as Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin ... my little sister's Debutante Ball! I am actually wearing the bridesmaid dress from my wedding that she wore!

Here she is with her sweet escorts in her beautiful dress - she was by far the most stunning Debutante.

We wrapped up some last minute Christmas shopping and were reminded what a paradise Florida is when we spotted Mr. Egret hanging out on a shoppers car - note the beautiful sunset and swaying palms - this is just a parking lot!

Christmas finally came and it was chilly enough that we were able to light a fire at my house. We spent Christmas Eve with my mom and sister and reveled in the fact that for the first time in our lives we were able to snuggle up together and wake up next to each other on Christmas morning! The night before Christmas we gave my mom and sister pajamas that matched ours so that we could all be coordinated come Christmas morning. We had Christmas Day dinner with Mr. SG's parents and grandparents - it was delicious!

I took this picture a few days after Christmas ... the big Doberman on the right is sweet Bella and the hairy dauschund is Hobbes to the left of her. Just days after our wedding we found out Bella was suffering from lymphoma and had just months to live. Sadly, this was her last Christmas and we had to put her down on New Years Eve. Bella was a wonderful dog who will be truly missed.

This is a cropped version of our New Years Card ... a twist on the Christmas card that we couldn't do because we were so busy in the weeks following the wedding. We rang in the New Year with delicious champagne and some of our oldest and dearest friends. Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and leave on our 19 hour drive from Sarasota, FL to Dallas, TX .... we loaded all of our wedding gifts, suitcases and even our little dog Scout (who had been vacationing with her grandparents since we were traveling and working so much after the wedding) into a rented minivan and took off!

Picture one ... not so bad. But that's nothing ... Check out our guest room below!! I spy Waterford, Riedel, and Cuisinart - Oh My!

And finally, our living room has been taken over ... won't this be fun to unpack!

Mr. SG and I feel so blessed to start this decade off with so much love and support. We are happy to be back in Texas but already missing our family and friends. Stay Tuned - I will get back in the blogging grove! We have home improvements planned, trips to make and a life to get on with! Happy New Year!