happy christmas

so, this year we're having a quiet family christmas at home. and it's kinda weird. we usually hang out with my mom's family on christmas day. but, they're all in the florida keys. it is really nice to have a quiet day... so far, i'm really liking it! but, i do wish we were on cudjoe key laying by the pool. or key west watching the sunset in mallory square. or looe key snorkeling (which they are doing today). or near mile marker 20 plopped in the middle of a side road watching the stars.

i'm a little sad because i miss all of them. however, it is not overshadowing my day. minneapolis is gorgeous today! and i have a super terrific family. and it's was so fun watching pi's excitement when she woke up this morning. best sister ever, i can't believe this is only our third christmas with her! craaazy.

our house is very christmas-y. stockings and twinkly lights. i love it!

piper got a fish for christmas. i think it's a beta... she still hasn't named it. UPDATE: the fish has been named... wait for it... slipper. ha.

i spent my morning buying music on itunes, thanks to taylor for the wonderful gift of music! taylor swift, michael buble, brad paisley, owl city... yum!

hmm, i'm really excited for church tomorrow night. it feels like it's been so long and i only missed one week...

alright, well there are my christmas morning ramblings. merry christmas, friends!

dubrovnik, croatia

I'm missing Croatia today. Dubrovnik is such a cool, ancient city. This was the first glimpse we caught from our ship. Sweeto bridge and orange rooftops.

The pier:

Gorgeous church:

This is a typical view of the street:

There was a group of musicians playing outside of one of the sweeto old buildings.

Looking down another street at another beautiful church:

Neighborhood:

And then, my favorite part of Dubrovnik. We wandered around, following signs that pointed toward cold drinks. We were absolutely parched and the idea of mango juice or coke was irresistible. It was incredible, right on the edge of the cliff.

Eventually, we noticed others coming up from a staircase somewhere below. We decided to adventure... This is Aubrey, about to brave the whimsical looking steps.

When we reached the bottom, we found an awesome cliff. Aubrey and Chelsey were both brave enough to jump off. Gram and I didn't jump, but we did swim... in our clothes.

This day is absolutely in my top favorites. I loved seeing the cool buildings and alleys. I loved swimming in my clothes. I loved walking back through Dubrovnik utterly soaked. I love my Gramma and Aubs and Chels. And I would LOVE to go back!

:)

the past week, i have been in such a happy mood.

almost all my school stress has been relieved. i took one final on tuesday, and i have three next week... not too worried.

piper has been delightful. i've been sleeping in her extra bed because she's afraid to sleep alone. a few nights ago, i was watching a movie on my computer. she woke up around midnight and we decided to have ice cream in bed. it was wonderful:)

oh, and last night, i watched the very first noel. my favorite kid's christmas movie. it's all of 20 minutes long. but, its so great. it features the voice of andy griffith and rhymes through the whole movie! and, it has some pretty funny lines. i quote them all the time:)

the girls downstairs are simply wonderful! they got a christmas tree last week. it's huge and beautiful. a few days ago they were rearranging the furniture, and i went down to hang out. we had a blast trying to place the furniture and singing christmas music. also, last night liz and becca came up and we all flopped onto my bed and laughed at everything and nothing. then piper grabbed a bunch of scarves out of my closet and we wrapped them around our heads and cracked up at our work. those girls are so much fun!

i recently discovered emilie henry, a young singer/songwriter. check her out: http://www.myspace.com/emiliehenry:)

and today, i skipped my morning class. first time ever. i was shocked that mom went along with it. i totally agree with her, that going to class is important. however, this morning, i desperately did not want to step into the shower or brave the cold. (current temperature: -3. windchill: -18. welcome to winter in minnesota!). i feel so naughty. and wonderful. i've been so productive this morning, it feels great!

well, i have another class soon. last class of the semester! and a presentation... so, i'm off.

ciao, friends!

whitney

p.s. i really want to go back to italy/greece lately. oof.