I'm back after taking Christmas and New Years off to spend time with my family. Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hannukah, I hope you all enjoyed the holidays. As the first week of January comes to an end, I still can't believe it's the year 2020.
On Saturday, December 21st, it was my Dad's birthday so my parents, brother Brendan and I out to dinner to China New Star. Our favorite Chinese restaurant. Wonton Soup and Fried Rice are delicious. Oh, can't forget the noodles they are yummy.
After dinner, the four of us had an early Christmas by opening up our gifts from each other. My brother and I got my mom a Roomba. Unfortunately, it doesn't empty itself or mop. But it does a great job vacuuming. Much quieter than a regular vacuum. Defiantly recommended if you're looking for something to keep your floors clean.
For my dad's birthmas (birthday/Christmas), I got him two gift cards for Sonic, chocolate and a Manchester United singing birthday card. My mom got him a vacuum that he can use to keep his car clean.
My parents got me one book about the history of planes, a book about different airlines and the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book. I also got a twenty-twenty calendar of photos of planes, a one-year subscription of the Beano Comic Books. One of my favorite comics from famous in the United Kingdom, and Ireland. My brother got me an iPhone case that has a metal pop socket in the back. He says one more thing is coming but it hasn't come yet. 🤷 It remains a mystery.
For Christmas, my brother got lots of clothes. I also got him a candle and a hoodie.
We finished my Dad's special day with Carvel ice cream cake. It was shaped like a snowman. It was delicious.
On December 22, my grandma, Aunt Jena, Aunt Amy, Henry, and William came over to celebrate Christmas together. We had a buffet dinner. Grandma made eggplant and cornbread. My mom and I made Turkey mixed in her famous homemade gravy and stuffed shells. I really loved Turkey and stuffed shells.
After a delicious meal, we digested then went into the living room to open presents. Brendan was the elf who handed out the gifts. Every year we do a secret Santa. My Four cousins and my brother and I pick who buys for who. This year I had to buy for my cousin Renae. My cousin Lily had to buy for me. Henry had to buy for Brendan and Brendan had to buy for William.
For Christmas from my secret Santa, I got a Planner book for 2020 where you can also color a detailed drawing every week of every month. I also got a couch pillow with a pillowcase that said, "No Drama Llama!" Lastly from my cousin, William got me really comfy, soft, warm, waterproof winter boots. Thanks to my dad I have big feet. I'm a size 10 wide. So I usually go for a 10.5.
Tea and dessert time. Grandma made a cheesecake and aunt Amy made a carrot cake. Mom and I made homemade chocolate chip cookies. The cookies were a hit. Henry and William had seven cookies. Who could go wrong with a cup of Irish Tetley tea? Not me. I have two cups of tea every day.
On December 23rd to December 26th my parents and I spent Christmas in Philadelphia. When we arrived, the first thing we did was get settled into our room. My mom got a map from the front desk so we can plan for the next two days. We googled a Chilis restaurant and went there for dinner that night. When we got back, we digested and went in the hot tub. The hot tub was relaxing but it kept burning my eyes for some reason. Never had that problem before with other tubs. After spending forty-five minutes in the tub, we went back to our room and got into our pajamas. Then we watched Property Brothers on the HGTV Channel. Finally, I got tired and went to bed around eleven.
On December 24th, Christmas Eve, we woke up very early in the morning around six. so we could get ready and have breakfast. For breakfast, I had a piece of toast without butter and a bowl of cheerios. My dad had a big breakfast. That's his favorite part of hotels. 😂 Mom had an omelet and a cup of tea. I like that you can have soda as an option for caffeine. Those that know me, know that I don't drink soda every day. I only drink water and tea. Sometimes, I treat myself to a cup of chocolate milk. Anyway, we headed out into the city. Very clean, friendly city. First, we checked out the visitors center. where I got a very delicious vanilla milkshake. Then we went into this other building and saw the Liberty Bell. The three of us got a nice tour of Independence Hall. Afterward, we walked to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. That Museum was very interactive giving you a way to learn by using these computer touch screens. After that, we walked to Betsy Ross's House. That was a nice self-tour. Lots to see inside and it gave you an idea of what it was like living in her house. My parents and I got hungry so we walked what seemed like forever to find a place to eat. We found this market but it was too crowded. Instead, we went to a Bar Resturant. We met a waiter who was from Williamsburg in Brooklyn. He was really nice and actually told us how much cheaper it is to live outside of New York City. That I defiantly believe. After lunch, we went to the movies and saw the new Star Wars movie. I don't hate Star Wars but I will say this: The movie is way too long. Dad and I fell asleep through most of it. But most importantly, mom enjoyed it. She's a big Star Wars fan. After the very long movie, we walked over to Franklin Park where they had the Christmas Lights show. I got myself a delicious pretzel and a Pepsi. We finally walked back to the car and headed back to the hotel. We were tired. But it was a great day had by all.
On December 25th, Christmas Day, after a long day yesterday, we decided to sleep in. Finally, at noon we got up and started our day. First, we drove to the Rocky Steps where the famous Rocky statue is. The steps lead up to the Art Museum but we didn't go there. At the top, you got to see a very beautiful view of the city. Afterward, we drove to the movie theater and saw Jumanji which by the way I LOVE the Rock. He's one of my top favorite actors. The movie was really funny. Of course, the first one was better but I still enjoyed the second movie. Jokes aside, anything is better than Star Wars. 😉 The three of us drove to TGIFriday's for dinner. One of my favorite restaurants. We shared a pretzel. The food was delicious. After dinner, we drove to Wawa and got a snack to enjoy at the hotel. When we got back to the hotel, mom and I went in the hot tub. We didn't last that long cause it was loud and our eyes were burning. But it was still relaxing. We ended our day by watching the movie ELF and Love it or List it on HGTV.
On December 26th, we drove to Walmart and then drove home. It was a lovely short vacation.
Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Happy New Year!