The most WOnderfuL time of the year...

December is my favorite month of the year. Holiday parties, Santa pub crawl, my cookie exchange party, sending out cards to all my friends, decorating and putting up the tree... just to list a few.

My little tree!

Every year for Christmas, my family and I travel up to Mt. Carmel, Illinois (a very small town where my dad grew up). His brother (my Uncle Steve) still lives there with his wife (my Aunt Brenda). I have quite a few cousins and second cousins who live in the surrounding area too (some only a few hours away), along with two of my dad's sisters, Aunt Mary and Aunt Carol. My dad's youngest sister (Aunt Sarah) lives in Sarasota.

My parents and I use to drive the 17 hours north (over the course of two days) sometimes encountering snow and terrible traffic, but these days we fly and its still an adventure. This year, our second connecting flight had to turn around due to engine problems... luckily not an emergency, but three planes was enough for me. 

Years have gone by, cousins have grown up, others have moved away and one very special loved one (Grandma Berta) passed away. Although the family members in attendance may be different from year to year, we still have our Sawyer family Christmas dinner/get together. Sometimes there are 30 of us! It may not always be on Christmas day, but the day always feels the same :)

Why does this day always feel the same? One word: Traditions. We keep them going every year. The silly stuff, the laughter and of course the cooking and cookies. 

Here are a few of the reasons I love visiting Mt. Carmel...

1. Breakfast Tort: 

We have this every year on Christmas day. I have helped my Aunt Brenda make it in the past, but I haven't tried the recipe myself yet. This will be something I will make for my family in the future on Christmas day :)

2. The Cookie Buffet 
Every year my Aunt Brenda and her mother (Gie) spend days making cookies, jams, pickles, salsa and so many yummy treats. Orange, Almond and Lemon Sugar Cookies, Pecan Tassies, Coconut Macaroons, Molasses cookies, Caramels, Buckeyes, Rum Balls, Bourbon Balls... and the list goes on. When everyone comes over for the big dinner, its always my job to set out the cookies!

If you love sweets as much as I do, self control can be an issue when this is sitting on a table in the den...

The cookie buffet.. its always open for breakfast, lunch, dinner...

Peach, Grape, Blackberry... take your pick!

3. Stockings
Probably my favorite part of Christmas morning in Mt. Carmel... you never know what you are going to get in your stocking. Stockings are special because its usually only the Florida Sawyers and Mt. Carmel Sawyers. This year my brother and his wife were unable to make the trip, Sarah (Sawyer) Hager and her husband Glenn spent time with other family in Indy and Bradlee and Aunt Sarah went on a cruise. So, it was just me and Trevor :)

I always look forward to the seasonings from Trader Joe's and random trinkets, however Santa really knows how to make us laugh. Past stocking stuffers have included nose flutes and spy glasses. This year it was all about the animal noses and mustaches!

Black cat nose... and i think monkey?

Do you like my mustache?

Stockings also include... scratch off cards (I won $5 this year!), mini booze bottles,

 

and tons of Lindor Truffles and Ghiradelli chocolates. 

Trevor and I traded these and mini booze bottles. He likes the Carmel and I like the peppermint and dark chocolate squares. 

4. Setting the table
So when it comes to preparing for the big family dinner it requires a long day of cooking, baking and of course setting the table. I tend to stay out of the kitchen simply because Aunt Brenda has it down to a science, especially with the help of my mother. Where I am most helpful is with setting the table and washing the dishes after. This year, because the dishwasher was broken, we used chinet.. hehe... usually its all Fiesta plates and silver... lots of washing.

If I am in the kitchen, I am helping to bake the cakes... surprised?

5. Poppers
After dinner and everyone has exchanged gifts, its time for poppers! We pass them out and count to three! Little weird toys like a top, yo-yo and paper with jokes on them go flying everywhere! Some of us read the stupid jokes out loud to see which ones are the worst.. and of course, we wear our paper crowns.

This is Tucker. He is the latest addition to the Mt. Carmel Sawyers. He wanted a popper too! 

Awesome dog... by the way :) 

Trevor, Brooke, me Anna in our crowns...

6. Take me to Taco
Taco Tierra might be one of my favorite places to eat. I have to eat here at least once a day while in Mt. Carmel. Every time we go my cousin knows everyone working there!  GREAT TACOS!

7. Family...

(2nd cousins) Brooke, Evan, Anna, Ian, Addison, Michael;  Trevor (1st cousins), me. 

Missing: Brent, Val, Jonathan, Jennifer, Bradlee, Sarah, Glenn... am I forgetting anyone?

Mom, Dad and I in the Sleigh

My poor Aunt Brenda was under the weather for most of this year's Christmas festivities. I didn't get any good pictures of us together that didn't include Pj's and a bath robe... so i decided not to post any... hehe. She is real, I promise! 

8. A White Christmas

Views from Aunt Brenda & Uncle Steve's front porch. It snowed for one day this year :) Just enough!

I really enjoy watching the snow from inside :) 

2011 was a Hoot of a year...

So as one of my many new year resolutions, I am going to keep up with this blog and also use it to share with my friends and family! I Promise! So here is what's been going on in a quick 2011 re-cap.

In early December 2010 (yes I know that's a little further back than I said... but I have to start there) My brother and sister-in-law had a beautiful baby girl, Avery Elizabeth Sawyer... This year has been a blast with her. Here are a few photos of her from this year.

Avery Sawyer: December 2010

Jan-Feb

May

July

November 

December 2011

In January 2011 I took a quick trip over the Jacksonville, FL to surprise my friend Rachel for her 27th birthday. Her boyfriend, (now Fiance) David planned a big birthday dinner and outing for her. She really hates surprises, so I had to go! She will be getting married July 27, 2012. 

Me, Catherine, Kendra, Britnee and Rachel! 

The Annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival and Parade!

From left: Alyssa, Me, Whitney, Caroline, Andrea

In February 2011 I landed my dream job at the Glazer Children's Museum. I manage revenue based programs for children ages 4-10, such as camps, scout programs and birthday parties. It has been a challenging yet amazing year, and I am so blessed to have a great boss, team and staff to work with. 

Me at my desk on my first day! 

My friend Ali who I met in our Museum Studies class @ USF. She interned at the same time I got my job. We only worked together for a short period of time. She now works at the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach. I miss her! 

In September we held our first annual Board Games Bubbly and Brew event. I helped to bring in our hosting sponsor (Winters and Yonker) thanks to my dear friend Whitney :) This is a photo of my amazing boss, Sarah (on left), her wife Annie and I at the event. 

Whitney and I on the Terrace at the event. 

A big perk of my job is that I get to meet famous celebrities such as Goofy, Buzz Light Year, Woody, Curious George, and my favorite... Cookie Monster. 

To celebrate my new job, my friend Kelly drove over from Palm City to spend the weekend with me!

Me, Kelly and Andrea @ Fly Bar in Downtown Tampa. 

In March 2011 I traveled to the city of Boston and the Cape to visit my amazing friend Amy. It was a little too cold for me, but we managed to see and do so many amazing things. I went to the Boston Children's Museum, the Science Museum, The Fine Arts Museum and so much more... 

First Stop on my trip... professional development visit! 

Amy and I at the Fine Arts Museum... I could have spent an entire day in this place. 

I also tried my first oyster, a Chatham oyster to be exact... I wasn't too thrilled, but when in New England! 

And the Science Museum had an amazing collection of birds... Beautiful Owls!

After two days in Boston, we drove out the Cape where Amy lives. This is a photo of the Wellfleet Sanctuary where she works. Because Amy had to work, she let me borrow her car so I could explore the north half of the cape. I went on a search for light houses! 

First light house I found...

And the second!

It was so great to spend time with Amy. We have so much in common when it comes to museums, aquariums and the thrill of teaching children about the ocean.

In May 2011 My friends Mike and Amelia tied the knot in Sarasota, FL. I met Mike and Amelia through my friend Catherine and her husband Taylor. Mike and Amelia now live in Virginia Beach, but they were so much fun to hang out with when they lived here in Tampa! I miss them! 

Catherine was a bridesmaid in their wedding.

Catherine, Amelia, and I at the reception. It was such a great time! 

Also in May 2011 I went on a Bachelorette Cruise for my friend Catherine R. She and I worked at the Swamp together in my last year of college (2006). All the girls I became friends with while working there have stayed in touch and we get together a few times a year. The cruise was a quick 3 day trip to Nassau and back, but for my first cruise, it was quite the trip!

We had fun getting fake air brush tattoos... it helped us fit in with the characters on the boat ;) 

In June 2011, Catherine and Ryan Dickinson were married in Key Largo, Fl. 

The Wedding was an absolute blast!

From left to right: Stacey, Lindsey, Me, Kristen, Jenna, Desire and Catherine (the bride!)

Also in June 2011 I flew to Destin/Pensacola/Niceville to visit Katrina, who was my roommate for two years while living in Chi Omega. We had a blast hanging out and going fishing!

My first Red Snapper!

In July 2011 I turned 27! I had a great day with my family. Yummy Food too! 

The Birthday Feast!

Brennan (my nephew).. the cake boss

The finished product! It was very tasty! 

My mother gave me these beautiful Ceramic Owl Bookends. Love them!

Also in July 2011... 

My friend Christian was in town for work. His company brings him to Tampa twice a year. Christian and I have been friends since 2002. He was like a big brother to me in college. 

My friend Caroline turned 30 and we celebrated @ Ocean Prime!

My cousin Sarah spent a few days with me while she was visiting from Virginia. I had to take her to the Bern's dessert room! 

In August 2011 I attended the Wazoo Beerfest @ the Lowry Park Zoo... It was extremely hot and overcrowded, but I was with good company. 

Anita, Kyle, Stash and I @ Wazoo

I also attended my very first Painting with a Twist class... It was a blast!

I was happy with my results!

In September 2011 I drove to the east coast, Vilano Beach to be exact, to visit my very close and longest friend Catherine and her husband Taylor. They had recently told me they were pregnant and expecting a baby in March 2012. I have know Catherine since I was born and we have remained close over the years. 

Taylor bought a paddle board and Layla (their dog) wanted to check it out too!

Also in September 2011...  My mom's birthday!

Me, mom, Jonathan and Brennan!

My dad retired...

Me, Mom, Dad, Jonathan in front of the new Lake City Airport Terminal. My dad received the grant to build the terminal and had overseen the project for the last year. He retired just before the grand opening. 

So proud of my dad :) 

My friend Lesley's birthday is also in September! I met Lesley when I moved to Tampa three years ago. She has become one of my closest friends here. 

(From left to right) Michelle, Desire, Lesley, Karen and I @ Yard of Ale

September/October 2011.... GATOR FOOTBALL!

I was able to attend two games this year, UF vs Tennessee and UF vs Alabama. I had a great time tailgating and catching up with all my friends. 

Me, Whitney, Amy and Stacey

Whitney and I @ the Tennessee Game!

Chi Omega Reunion Tailgate.. 

Me, Katrina, Dani and Kelly!

Me, Sonya and Stacey

Our Chi Omega house mother, Susan Willis always comes by our tailgate to say hello! 

Always such a beautiful sight... It never gets old!

Also in October 2011...  Red Bull Flutag came to downtown Tampa...

Me, Amy and Stacey

I joined a Mariachi Band...

Met the cutest ring tail lemur at work...

Went to an 80's Pool Party to celebrate Desire's Birthday... 

And celebrated Alyssa's 30th at Malio's!

In November 2011 there was Thanksgiving...

Brennan and I at Thanksgiving Dinner!

And in December 2011... Avery turned 1...

I hosted my 3rd annual cookie exchange...

And attended the Santa Pub Crawl to benefit Pediatric Cancer Foundation. I was Leg Lamp and my friend Mary went as Ralphie from the Christmas Story. 

So my attempt to give a quick re-cap of 2011 was more detailed than I expected. However, I hope you enjoyed reading/viewing this as much as I enjoyed putting it together.  

Looking back on 2011 makes me realize even more how wonderful life is, especially having love and support of an amazing family and wonderful friends. 

 I left off Christmas and New Years because I plan on writing separate posts for each, so stay tuned!