December Review

December has come & (almost) gone and it was a busy ride. It always amazes me just how much stuff we can cram into those short days. There were school concerts and parties. Afternoons for baking one too many batches of cookies. Late nights of wrapping and staring at the lights on the tree. There were moments of magic watching Anna's eyes light up. There were moments of complete quiet and lounging after all the hustle & bustle of opening gifts and eating had ended.  And then again there was more eating. There was movie marathons, outdoor holiday festivities, 2 hour waits to see Santa and Christmas Bureau deliveries. There was contest winning and lots of squealing. We chased Sun Dogs and waited for the clouds to part trying to get a peek at the Christmas moon. We spent time with family and found moments where we knew Dad was there with us and it made my heart feel light.

December you were good to us, thank you.

Around Here

It's already the ninth of December and Christmas will be here in the blink of an eye. I am trying to keep this month low key and avoid all the "hustle" of the holiday season... so far so good. 

We're busy but it's all good, here's a peek into the last week or so...

Decorating. 

We bought a real tree and it's beautiful!

Anna had her first play date without me, big moment for both of us. 

More so for me I imagine.

Princess Tea Parties. 

The weather has been awful and going outside hasn't been an option. 

There has been lots of play going on here. 

Baking.

A long overdue night off. Thank you KC. 

Relaxing at Starbucks and then drinks and appetizers at the Keg.

Parties and time with friends.

Special breakfasts on the weekends.

Cory's work Kid's Christmas Party. 

Fun for everyone!

A visit with a very special Santa. 

Welcome Back Earl!

 It is no secret around here- I LOVE Christmas!All the big & little traditions that make this holiday season so magical! It really just makes my heart so happy and there is nothing better than feeling the excited energy surround me, seeing Anna's face light up and being reminded of being a child.

For the second year now our dear friend Earl came back from the North Pole to live with us. This year he brought a letter from Santa and is helping deliver our Christmas book countdown. Each day Earl brings a number card corresponding with the date so that Anna can match up that number with her chocolate advent and her book countdown. Opportunities for learning- thank you Earl.

It took a minute but this face pretty much sums up how 

she felt when she noticed Earl for the first time.

A letter from Santa... "Look, look, look, it's from Santa!!!! It's from Santa!!!"

December Manifesto

I created a list of all the fun things I wanted to do during this wonderful month- I love the holiday season!

Buy & decorate a real Christmas tree

Make snow angels. 

Go sledding.

Drive through Candy Cane Lane and check out all the lights.

Create a Christmas garland.

Make nuts & bolts.

Bake gingerbread men cookies.

Have a board game night.

Decorate the house, inside & out.

Write a letter to Santa with Anna.

Pictures with Santa.

Sew Christmas pillows.

Scrapbook!

Christmas Crafts with Anna.

Go to the Legislature grounds to see the lights.

Create handmade gifts for some special ladies I know.

 Make a snowman... I really hope it's warm enough for this one.

Teach Anna a couple Christmas carols.

Put Anna to bed, turn all the lights off except the tree, pour two glasses of wine, turn on Christmas music and snuggle on the couch. Sounds dreamy.

Class: December mini book

25 Days of Christmas

Saturday, November 24

10:00am - 2:00pm

$60

This class is inspired by Ali Edwards' December Daily, the album has 25 pages, plus many other little touches to capture and record all of the activities that happen leading up to the Christmas holiday.

more december shots from around here

A few more of my favorite December Daily pictures to share.

Trying to capture the twinkle.

This is Anna. This is life around here. She is always on the go.

This girl loves necklaces. She is just so amazing.