Dec 26th-Jan 1st - Connecticut & New Year's!

On Thursday I went to the archery range with Mike and then I went to Connecticut to visit my family! We got to my Uncle Austin's house at night and we hung out for a little while but everyone was tired including Rudy.

The next day Mike left home to go to Peru to visit our friend who lives there! During the day we drove to my Mom's neighborhood when she was a child. It is always special to me to see where she grew up and to hear stories about my family. 

Then we went to my Aunt MaryAnn's house where we had fun playing boardgames together and later went out to eat dinner in Litchfield Connecticut. 

Afterwards we went back to my Uncle's house and spent time with him, my Aunt Melissa and Rudy. The next morning we went to my Aunt Lolita and Uncle Richard's house to make treats to bring to our family Christmas party! Later at the party we had pizza and everyone hung out and of course ended up playing Scat which is a family tradition of ours. It was a great time and I was thankful to see everyone! I love my family!

We drove back home the next day and Mike messaged me from Peru saying that he was doing archery and he got a Robin Hood where he shot an arrow into another arrow! 

The next day I cuddled with my kitty Cookie Dough and I cleaned out my room and made a donation pile. At night I went to Mike's Aunt and Uncle's house to visit with his family in town! On New Year's Eve I worked at Scott Miller during the day and then went to the Thimble Tailor to get my Miss New York USA gown tailored! I got a gorgeous Sherri Hill gown from Joeval's Formalwear but it needed to be taken in and Fatima and her family are the most talented so I was honored to have them work on my gown. 

At night I went to Mike's house and had such a nice time with friends and his family! Then I went home to watch the ball drop with my family and spent all of New Year's day with them! I hope that everyone had a happy and safe holiday! 

Dec 18th-Dec25th - Miss NY USA Fundraiser & Christmas!

On Wednesday I styled my hair and went to Scott Miller to get my makeup done by Silvana for my fundraising event! At Five Guys Burgers Pittsford they let you choose a night where 20% of your guests' orders goes towards your organization. This worked out perfectly to raise money for the entrance cost for Miss New York USA. That night is one that I will never forget. So many friends of mine, my parents' and Mike's family came and it was very heartwarming to feel the love and support from everyone.

I really cannot express how much it meant to me to have everyone there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! <3

The next morning we celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah at Mike's house! We were opening presents and Mike got a new sight for his archery bow. He asked me to go get his bow case so he could put it on and see what it was like. When I opened the case to take it out for him I saw a bow in plastic wrap. I was confused at first and then I saw it was pink and black and heard Helen say "Merry Christmas!" I was shocked! It was so exciting to get my own bow, and an amazing one at that!

After we celebrated Mike and I went to the range and I got to try it out! It was awesome and we had fun shooting together!

The next day I spent time at home and my Dad got out the ornament boxes and we decorated the tree! I stopped over at my cousin Amanda's house and got to see their new pup! 

Later at home my best friend Sarah came over and she, my Mom and I made gingerbread houses! My Mom also made ninjabread men that someone gave her the kit for so we made a Fairport Karate Academy gingerbread dojo!

Friday night some friends from the salon came over to Mike's house and they made a ton of different Christmas cookies. 

The next few days I worked as a hostess at Scott Miller and went to look at houses for Mike's sister and her husband. Monday was my Grandma's birthday, I love you Grandma! Then it was Christmas Eve! During the day I went to Amanda's house and celebrated with her. That night my Mom and I volunteered at Barnes & Noble where we wrapped presents to receive donations for Safe Journey which helps victims of domestic abuse. 

Then it was Christmas morning! My Dad brought my Grandma to our house and we all opened presents, including Cookie Dough! 

We had a nice time and then Sarah came over and we all had fun celebrating! 

Later I went to Mike's house to see him and his family! I love Christmas time and I had such a great holiday with my loved ones! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!