Good old-fashioned family PDX-mas

We did it! We successfully hosted our first Christmas as hubby and wifey. I feel like Clark Griswold.

While we had a little trouble getting everyone here on time, I am happy to report that they all made it safe and sound. My parents landed on time on Christmas Eve; Elliot, Lauren and Tom (who had to drive up all the way from Sacramento due to canceled flights) rolled in at midnight on Christmas Eve. It was a long day for them. And you better believe we all waited up so we could eat dinner and open presents when they arrived. :

We had the stockings hung by the fire with care:


And of course, a ridiculous spread of wine, cheese and meat:


Let the present-opening commence!

The painting Erica made for Lauren:

Lauren describing the gift she got her Mom that didn't ship in time :)

Buckley got one too!

After all the food, wine, and presents, we finally decided to call it a night at 3:30am! I'm proud of everyone (including myself!) for making it that late! I think everyone pretty much slept all day on Christmas Day. Once everyone was rested and refreshed, we headed out for Christmas dinner at... where else... Rogue Public House. :)

The Mayo siblings:

We had a very lovely dinner at VQ the day after Christmas, followed by a few days of shopping, eating, and drinking. On the 30th, the gang packed into a Ford Excursion (sans Paul, who had to work... boo!) and drove out to the coast. We headed to Cannon Beach, home to Haystack Rock, a 235-foot monolith jutting out of the sea. As is true with so many things around here, the photos don't do it justice.

A little message for Paul <3

We came across the craziest seaweed I've ever seen. It actually frightened me at first. Still not sure what these are called exactly other than "Pacific seaweed," but they look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. They are probably 40 feet long from end to end.

Crazy barnacles on the back of this log:

Lauren chasing some seagulls. Funny, I have an almost identical photo of her chasing seagulls, about a year ago, only in a different ocean... I will have to post that later.

The ladies Mayo:

This is another beach a couple miles down the coast called Hug Point. Erica camped out here over the summer during her great American road trip.

Someone was nice enough to line up a bunch of rocks on a log, so the least I could do was take a picture.

We also had a nice New Year's Eve, but I forgot to take out my camera and take some pics! We all headed to the Crystal Ballroom for a party called New Year's Nation, a coordinated party simulcast in 10 cities across the U.S. The concept (big party, open bar, lots of food) was great. Execution, not so much. I don't know where they decided to hide all the food (we certainly couldn't find it), and unfortunately "open bar" equals waiting in line for 45 minutes for one drink. BUT, we were all together, which was the important part! :) In the end we did have fun.

As of yesterday, all the family is officially gone home. It feels weird not thinking about where we're all gonna go for dinner, cleaning the apartment for company, etc. It was so great to have everyone here in our city, and we hope you enjoyed it! Buckley is sad and misses everyone...

Love,

Jenny

p.s. Happy New Year to everyone!!!