Christmas was extra special for me this year, because it was my first Christmas as a married woman. Many people came to Drew and I in the days leading to Christmas with cute little smiles on their faces and patted us on the back, saying in sing-songy voices, “Enjoy your first Christmas together!” Drew would always respond, “It’s not our first Christmas. We were together last Christmas.” So we decided it was our first “legal” Christmas together.

We spent Christmas morning lazily; sleeping in and eagerly opening our gifts to each other, and eating Cinnabon muffins. It was so nice. Then we had to run some errands (so sad on Christmas Day, but we needed to pick up our rental car that would take us to North Carolina the next day). After that we visited my family and exchanged gifts with them (my dad seemed excited about the laser putter we found for him) and then it was on to the Luger’s for dinner and another gift exchange. At the end of the day, it was great to return home, with my husband.

The day after Christmas, we started the LOOONG trek to North Carolina to visit Drew’s family. There, we had Christmas part 2. It was nice to spend some time with my new in laws, and I already feel so much a part of the family. Thanks Kocurs, for adopting me with open arms. You guys are awesome. I especially enjoyed the girl time I had with my new mom-in-law and sis-in-law. We went scrapbook shopping and then painted some figurines. My hand was cramped by the time I was done. I was glad to get to know my new sis better, as the only other time I had seen her was the wedding. (If YOU’D like to get to know her better, check out her blog.)

Now, Drew and I are back home trying to settle back in and recover from the holidays. On New Year’s Eve, we went down to St. Mark’s Lighthouse to revisit “the scene of the crime.” (He proposed there last New Year’s Eve.) Then we spent a quiet evening at home watching TV and waiting for midnight. Luckily, USA had a 24 hour marathon of Elf, so we watched that. That movie makes me happy. We switched to the New Year’s celebration a minute too late and missed the ball drop. Apparently we need to check our clocks. A quick smooch (though not technically at midnight…), and then it was time for bed. I guess we’re officially old and married.

So far, 2009 has been filled with cleaning. Drew and I are trying to make sense of the mess in our home, and I think we’re making headway. So with that, back to laundry.