First Married Christmas

On December 22, John and I travelled to Bellbrook, Ohio to celebrate our first married Christmas.  My aunt Kelly was hosting everyone in her new beautiful home.  It was nice to be with my family on this Christmas, especially since my brother had suffered two seizures, two days before flying to Ohio.  Thankfully he was cleared by his doctor to fly and join everyone in Ohio.

After arriving into Dayton 45 minutes late, with a damaged suitcase, we made our way to Amelia's, a local restaurant for dinner with Auntie, Cin, and Grammie.  We had a few cocktails and a delicious meal, to end our day of traveling.  It was nice to see my family again, since I have not seen most of them since our wedding.  

Auntie and Cindy's home was absolutely stunning, as they picked everything out themselves. The kitchen is a chef's dream, with heated bathroom floors, a great room, study, hot tub, and in home gym.  The house was more beautiful in person than pictures.  It felt like we were living in a ski lodge with the gorgeous stone fireplace.  Not to mention, there were Christmas trees in every room, which is what I would love to have in our house.  Like my mom said, you can never have enough Christmas trees.

Friday was a very busy day, as we were awaiting the arrival of mom, dad, Lauren, Michael, and Spiro.  The aroma of the food from the kitchen filled the house, as we all watched White Christmas, my favorite Christmas movie.  Grammie was busy in the kitchen prepping for Christmas Eve, while Auntie made homemade banana nut bread, and John and I baked cupcakes.  

Once the family arrived, Auntie and Cindy had a big surprise planned for everyone, we were all going to the Dayton Flyers basketball game.  They even bought everyone matching shirts to wear at the game.  We had amazing seats and saw a great basketball game.  After the game, we ordered pizza and just relaxed.  I was very happy to be with my family again.

On Christmas Eve, we were all invited to Kake's house for brunch.  After taking a tour of the home, we sipped on mimosas and enjoyed a delicious brunch.  Unfortunately, the day took a different turn, as Kava had to go to the emergency veterinary clinic, as she was experiencing problems with her anal glands.  Due to Kava's procedure, Auntie and Cindy had to miss going to church, so they can be there for Kava.  After church, we returned home to start prepping for dinner, drinks, and games.  

On Christmas morning, the house was filled with lots of love and gifts.  We took turns opening gifts, while stopping to enjoy the delicious breakfast that Grammie had cooked for everyone.  After filling up on breakfast, we returned to the great room to continue to open gifts.  John and I are both very blessed with all of the gifts that we have received.

After things had settled down with opening of the gifts, etc. we all decided to go to the nature reserve for a hike, even Kona joined us.  

It was nice to spend Christmas with my family this year, as we have been through a lot of ups and downs.  My brother suffering many seizures, my sister losing her job and me getting married married.  It was very sad to say goodbye to them, but I know that we all see each other very soon.  I love my family with all of my heart and miss them everyday.  This is a Christmas that I will always remember.

A Decade of Dominance

10 years, 10 wins...enough said!

This year's Army-Navy game was held at FedEx Field in Landover, MD.  It was the first year that America's Game was played in the DC area.  It is a perfect location, since it is very close to the nation's capital.  Since the game was being played at FedEx, President Obama and Vice President Biden were in attendance, which made security tighter and lines longer.

Our day started off at seven in the morning, as we loaded up the car and made our way to the game.  The parking lots were scheduled to open up at 8:30, but since traffic was backing up on the highway, they had decided to open the lots earlier.  I do not think that the stadium personnel knew how many people would show up 6 1/2 hours prior to kickoff.

The atmosphere all around was simply amazing.  We were surrounded by Army and Navy fans, along with the smell of bacon and eggs.  Some tailgaters were drinking mimosas to start off the day, while others went immediately for the booze.  

The weather was chilly, so John and I decided to keep ourselves warm in the car, as we knew that we would be out in the cold for many hours.  I have the privilege of attending the Army-Navy game every year and it is something I wish that everyone can experience.  

Since the security lines were long, we had decided to go into the stadium early.  Which was beneficial, because CBS Sports Network set up a tailgate with one of the game sponsors, USAA.  They had traditional tailgate games, that you can win prizes for.  They were serving hot chocolate and tea, to keep the fans warm and ready for the game.

The game was intense, as it came down to the 4th quarter, where Navy's defense stepped up and won the game.  At the end of the game, both of the teams sign their alma mater, with the winning team singing second.  It is a tradition that has been going on since the very first meeting between Army and Navy.  All of the fans remained in the stands to hear the alma maters, which brought tears to my eyes.

Trying the stay warm

Navy rushing the field as time expires

Singing "Navy Blue and Gold"

Army Navy...America's Game

This Saturday marks the 112th meeting between Army and Navy, which will be played at FedEx Field in Washington DC.  On the battle field, the two may be fighting for the same thing, but for that day they are enemies on the field.

The Army-Navy game is the final regular season football game, which puts everyone eyes on this traditional game.  Last year was my first Army-Navy game and just sitting in the stands is a wonderful feeling.  Nothing says "American" then watching two great academies play against each other.  This game brings a lot of political personnel, and sometimes even the President of the United States.  All eyes will be on this game.

Both Army and Navy will be wearing Nike Pro Combat uniforms, which will be a first for both schools.  The uniforms this year are very unique and what a perfect game to show them off to the country.  

I am looking forward to enjoying a wonderful football game and the traditions that go along with it.  Even if you are not a fan of either team, it is a game that everyone should attend once in their life.

Go Navy!  Beat Army!