A Very Grogan Christmas

A day late but, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I hope everyone is enjoying what time they have off and spending some quality time with there family and friends.  I know I'm having a good break.  Christmas is a nice break from campus life but I miss my friends.

So, what is a Grogan Christmas like?  We are a very crazy bunch, especially when we are all together.  (side note:  If you ask my friends I'm not quiet, ask my family and I'm one of the quiet ones.)  My dad is one of five boys and they have one sister.  I am one of nine first cousins ranging from 16-28.  This year was the first time in awhile that the entire family, minus my uncle serving oversees, was actually in one place.

It was nice to see all my cousins and aunts and uncles together.  However, it was a bit crazy.  If you got out of your chair chances are it was gone when you got back.  With 23 people walking around was a bit hectic too.  We spent the first four hours reminiscing, talking, and laughing.  Then after dinner we all gathered around my grandma's three foot high tree buried in presents and began distributing them.  It became a game of pass the presents (luckily nothing broke).  It was sad to say good-bye but hopefully we will all be together soon!!

Some Firsts...

So during this week of preparation for finals I had some experiences that I were my First.

My very own gingerbread house

• Last night at LINK I built my very first gingerbread house.  When Lauren, Alex and I were planning our last LINK, we wanted to do something fun.  Alex came up with this great idea and I became super excited!!!  I had never built one and this was the perfect opportunity.

• Tomorrow I'm taking the bus to the UMall for the very first time.  I was always told how easy it was but never has the occasion to go.  Burlington has so many great stores where I did most of my Christmas shopping.  I figured a Friday afternoon would be the perfect opportunity to go and get some specifics that I couldn't find in Burlington.

The view from my window

• The first snowfall while I was on campus happened last night.  Now I know this isn't a real first but it was for me this season.  Vermont also got some snow over Thanksgiving break, while I was in New Jersey.  And New Jersey got snow in October, while I was in Vermont.  I loved waking up and seeing everything covered in white.  It reminds me how beautiful everything is.

 

• This morning was the first time all semester I slept in on a week-day.  It was really nice not having to get up super early and get moving.  I let my alarm go off and I just snuggled under my covers for another half hour.  It felt so refreshing.

I hope you enjoyed my hearing about some of my firsts!! Now on to prepare for my 3 finals next week.  Wish me luck!!

p.s. If you are in the area on Saturday, the Acabellas final concert is at 4 pm in McCarthy, which our very own Student Blog Coordinator, Gabbi Hall will be singing in!!!  Good Luck!!