Bendzunas Glass

Last weekend we visited Justin's parents, who we hadn't had a chance to see for Thanksgiving and birthdays. On Sunday we all took a day trip to Athens, where the majority of his siblings live, to check out an open house and demonstration at Benzunas Glass. This was also a chance to meet the boyfriend of Justin's oldest sister, who works at the studio with his family.

As tired as we were from yet-another car ride, it was quite a treat to watch them shape a cup and a flowered paperweight. We picked out this abstract tree design for my mom (prettier in person) ~



And his sister surprised us with a set of beautiful oil lamps for our birthdays ~



We also had a chance to visit two of the siblings' new dwellings before the long, long ride back home. Not a bad little trip!

Right now I am feeling pretty contented because we finally have the majority of our Christmas shopping done. Ahhhh... Two weeks ago that seemed like an insurmountable kind of goal, but I've had a whirlwind of orders coming in lately that took care of everything. Now there are just a few last-minute things to grab or make, and of course a ton of ambigrams to create, but I can't wait to be able to give everyone their gifts!