A reason for the season

This time of year takes my love of hosting and cooking to a whole different level. Something about wanting to be warm and cozy with loved ones just sounds really good.

I invited my grandparents, parents, siblings and the Pugh family over to our place for dinner on the 26th just because it's been a while since we've seen the Pugh's. We've been really close family friends for about 20 years now and the last couple years have just gotten really busy, so I decided now was as good a time as any.

I cooked up stuffed peppers, roasted potatoes, caesar salad and amazing garlic bread. I wish I could take the credit for the recipe I got for the garlic bread but I can't and even better it's super easy--it's one of my favorite things I make! I also made sure to get my favorite red wine considering I can never finish a bottle myself (I probably could but never would...) Rosenblum Cellars Vintners Cuvee Zinfandel. You red wine lovers out there.... PLEASE try it! I have only been able to find it at Food Pavilion here in town and it's very well priced I think like $11.

Rudy and Anna couldn't make it due to work schedules but the rest of the clan made it and our house filled up! :)

Nanny and Papa. My papa got to our house first and seemed a little out of sorts from a long day so I offered him the remote, recliner, and a glass of red. He passed of everything but the wine and said I'm enjoying watching you work! haha Such a smartass but I can't help but love everything about that man.

Our little guy is such a ham when there's a crowd. He's gotten into the idea that say HI is the first thing you do when you see someone you know haha or don't know. I love guessing what he's going to do or say these days. So much personality and ridiculously cute!

The parents

Such good friends for the better part of my life. A lot has happened and even though we don't get together as much as we used to it doesn't feel like any time has passed.

Okay well even though Cole and I weren't really paying attention this was the best one of everyone else.

Ignore my mess of a kitchen in the background but my mom was just so excited about going somewhere else for dinner and having someone take care of her. Love this time of year.