Not a Creature was Stirring... Except for a Mouse

We first spotted the mouse on Saturday morning. We heard a bit of rustling on the counter, only to look over and see something we hoped we'd never have to see.

Three days later, the exterminator came and the end of the mouse we loathed (affectionately named "Millie") was a goner. She ate through some granola bars and a chocolate bar or two, but she left our humble abode for the big mouse hole in the sky. Thankyouverymuch. Mice are the most disgusting creatures, but apparently all 9 million New York residents have or will deal with them. Glad we aren't alone. Our apartment is now booby-trapped and I'm hoping I don't forget where they are located as not to fall victim to the TomCat MouseTrapz.

Anyways, HappyMerryNewYearChristmas. December was a month of visitors and new traditions. New York City lit up with an array of reds, greens and golds. My friend, Anna Beth, traveled up north from the land of the pine to see the decorated city. Mom also came to visit me to help bring some Christmas spirit.

From Chelsea Market...

 To our (live) Christmas tree...

To the Rockefeller tree... 

 

To Elf, the musical! How amazing is this city?

Mom and I saw the man himself. Even though he looked perturbed to see us. 

One of Santa's helpers! 

Three more of Santa's helpers during Santacon. 

Anna Beth and I saw Chicago and it was amazing! 

My backyard! 

New York is fabulous anytime of year, but Christmas time is one of the most beautiful.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After a long  first month of living in the city, however, I was excited to take a break and go home to North Carolina. My family decided to change up traditions this year and go to Boone. We cut down a real Christmas tree, hung out around the fireplace and hot tub and celebrated my favorite holiday in a cabin.

#coneheadproblemz

 We also went tubing for the first time. I'm a fan. Especially after I knew I survived.

We decorated a beautiful tree in just an hour. Collin helped to hang the ornaments.

The best un-wrapper. EVER. 

 So beautiful. With the snow falling, it's an amazing place to be.

Don't worry. Even though we started a new tradition,  the pajama tradition continued...

"Be Cross!" Collin says. 

2010

Always such a trooper through these...

Shorter bangs were so in those days! 

Over New Years, we took a trip to the opposite side of the state: the beach. Cherry Grove is the most beautiful over winter, I have determined. Collin came to visit there, too! 

Good Morning! 

Good Night!

2013 is looking to be a great year! Can't wait to see what it has in store. New resolutions. New traditions. New reasons for being here. 

Best, 

Carrie 

"As someone told me lately, everyone deserves a chance to fly!"-- Wicked