merry christmas!

We think as you grow older your Christmas list gets smaller, because the things you really want, can't be bought.

This is our first Christmas away from home, but we are truly enjoying ourselves in Washington, DC, with our friend Jenelle. We haven't stopped laughing since we've been here.

Our adventures started yesterday after the rain cleared with brunch at a really cute spot called Tryst. The atmosphere of this comfy cafe was perfect. We spotted an open sofa the moment we walked in. While a number of people were on laptops, there were just as many people indulging in their favorite menu items and enjoying good conversation with friends. I ordered the buttermilk waffles with freshly sliced strawberries and Erin ordered the Nachos Locos with shredded chicken. Our food was A M A Z I N G!  

After much chatter and eating, we headed down the street for a brief tour. We stumbled into Idle Time Bookstore - which was such a pleasant surprise. This find turned into a mini-adventure for us. The shop is full of both classic & rare second-hand books (at major low prices - to our pleasure). We each got the same books to spark the beginning of our book club: Push by Sapphire, Wicked by  Gregory Maguire and Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan. 

This morning was so peaceful. We ate brunch around noon -- raspberry infused sangria, stuffed french toast sticks, eggs, avocado, sweet potato hash browns, grits, smoked salmon, crispy bacon, and sweet potato bread -- then opened our gifts. Jenelle got Erin and I monogrammed mason jar mugs.

​We love exploring new opportunities and embracing new experiences, but doing so during the holiday season may be the hardest time to do so. Enjoying Christmas without family is easier said than done, yet is worth trying at least once. While we love visiting with friends and their family, it might be safe to say there is no place like home. Up next, Mardi Gras! 

Yes, it's a pagan holiday but we look forward to the parades and krewe festivities every single year as if it's our first. 

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