Yesterday began our Christmas vacation. First on the schedule was Christmas with the Smith’s. Years ago, this used to be a large family gathering with at least 30 people, but these days it’s just our immediate family. We have so many young couples with jobs and kids and other family to visit, it’s become tough to get everyone in one place at the same time. Part of me is sad because I would genuinely like to spend more than 90 minutes with my nephews and their kids, but part of me remembers exactly how hectic this time of year can be at that age and I know I would have appreciated this type of laid back, no hassle gathering very much. One thing such a gathering makes us all realize is how much we wish GS would sell the house, but what can you do? I hope it happens. We’ll see.

The other thing you realize with this group is how fun it is watching little kids open gifts. I am excited for tomorrow with Tdub and LDub. Should be fun. Although I think there’s way too much stuff. The W’s new house is going to be overflowing!

In my continuing effort to get rid of all the chocolate, I made some really yummy chocolate & vanilla, peppermint bark. Very Easy! I melted chocolate chips 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring in between each run. Once the chocolate was completely melted I added 1/2 a teaspoon of peppermint extract and stirred until it was well-combined. I spread wax paper on the island and pour my melted chocolate onto the paper, spreading it out into a nice, thin and even sheet. Next I melted my vanilla candies using the same method. Once melted I poured it on top of the chocolate, spreading it evenly while trying not to actually mix into the chocolate. Finally I topped with a couple of fistfuls of crushed candy canes. Chill for one hour. Remove from the refrigerator and break into pieces. Festive and yummy. This would be a great gift.