"just keeping it real" winter solstice

We celebrated the winter solstice tonight--a couple days late. This is a "just keeping it real" post because in truth I've been completely uninspired to bake cookies, make meals, or do anything but spend time with my family--that is what I really want to do this holiday. So the solstice tea was a bit different this year. The food here was not homemade by me. We had cookies that were sent to us by my brothers nice girlfriend, a pie our neighbor brought over last night (not a homebaked pie either--it's from Costco!) and some bakery goods we picked up on our lovely mini-vacation to Santa Barbara (more on that in another post). Even though I was uninspired to do my own baking, I felt the tea must go on, and I'm so glad it did. It was maybe even better, with the mommy not stressing out and all.

{our tree}

{the five children all together}

{Rainer has been sick with a cold and his facial rashes are acting up again--but he is so darn cute nonetheless!}

{our solstice bonfire}

Even though feeling uninspired and like our tea was not "blogworthy," I found this little scene in the kitchen that I wanted to capture. While we were enjoying the backyard fire, there was soup warming on the stove and fresh bread baking in the oven. The table was set and ready. I can appreciate these small things, and for that I am grateful.

{soup and bread}

{Faith with Dieter}

The best part was just sitting leisurely at the table and enjoying the family. Isn't that what the holidays are all about anyway?