Our Christmas

Our Christmas season was great!
Well... let me say that we were ALL sick as dogs the week before. Sam missed 4 out of 5 days of school and slid back into the last day before break but barely made it through.. It was the cold that never ended... again.. But by the weekend we were all feeling better, thank goodness.. and it was on with Christmas!!!

It was nice and warm... well... not 10 degrees this year, but in the 50's!

We didnt have any snow, and I was never more happy!

I made some homemade crafty gifts as I always do.

Pepperimint & Mistletoe Soaps all fancy with ribbon and tinsel.

I sold a few batches as well, it was a hot item!

As part of the teacher gifts this year I made homemade marshmallows, they turned out so good. See the previous post for the recipe

One of my favorite parts of making gifts is spending crafty time on the tags and decorating them with wrapping and ribbon and pretty things.

I really think Samantha enjoyed giving her gifts to her teachers and bus drivers

We made cookies, ginger, cutouts, and crescents. And fudge and marshmallows... I couldnt stop.

I think that 

Sweets were everywhere this season.

Our annual family round robin party was so much fun. 

The dessert house is always my favorite.

Cannoli Dip ... OMG.. We all just stood there and couldnt stop eating it!

It was such a wonderful and mild Christmas season.

Cousins 

The few days before Christmas I attempted the Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls

They were quite a feat, but so so worth it.

My little helper made sure we got the icing just right.

He loves pulling up his little chair to help Mama 

I froze two pans.. and gave away about 5.

Just something yummy for us and our friends and neighbors to warm up on Christmas Day or whenever..  I think Samantha really understood the whole "season of giving" as I tried to explain that it is just nice to do things just because ... and the reason we celebrate Christmas .... and its not all about the presents.. hopefully some of what I was rambling set in.. but i know, she's only 5.. ha!

Samantha got to have a little sleepover at Grammy's house the night before Christmas Eve. 

So Daddy and I got to treat this little guy to a fruit whip and a date with just us.

Santa delivered this year.

He was generous.

Before Christmas, I went up to Ikea Canada, and got the kids a ton of stuff to make their rooms more cozy.. (not pictured).. and Samantha got one of her big gifts.. a new big girl desk for her room. So the kids got a lot of gifts right before the big day.. lucky them, huh?

They loved everything under the tree, and Samantha really got it this year. 

She kept saying she was going to sneak out of her bed and check for Santa.. hahah.. I remember thinking the same way when I was her age too.. I love all the magic Christmas brings.

Christmas Day, like last year.. we opened presents and then headed to Ohio.

The roads were empty and the ride was smooth sailing.

We spent our time enjoying wonderful food.. and amazing cookies...

I could go on and on about the cookies and food.. I even have tried some of my MIL's cooking and have  tons of her recipes.. but for some reason it just tastes better when she makes it.. and youre at her house.. its good for the soul...

The cousins were reunited.. and cute as ever.

We originally planned on leaving on Saturday, but the weather was so nice, and we didnt have anywhere to be back home, so we stayed an extra day. We drove out to Trader Joe's .. the whole gang.. Baka and Papa too.. 

The kids had fun and there was a huge active construction site with cranes and all sorts of busy action for them to watch.. bonus!

The weather was around 55 and sunny, I got in a LONG run and it felt great after all the indulging I personally did while there..

Andrew got a new fisher price IXL from my Mom for Christmas and he loooooved it all weekend.

Sunday came and the kids were excited to get home and see Carl.

We gathered in the kitchen one more time all together 

And indulged... again.. 

Buckwheat pancakes and sausage.. mmmmm

It was such a nice visit and a wonderful Christmas that Im so so thankful everyone was healthy for.

Until next year! Now its time to take down all the decorations and make way for the next holiday.. another fun favorite.. Valentines Day! 

Hope you all had a great holiday season

xoxo

A Wedding to Remember



We left for a 6 day trip to Ohio last week.

I was in one of my very best friends from college's wedding.

I packed Sam a little bento lunch, as I've been doing lately.

We left around 9:30am.. and the kids were pretty good the whole way.

Thank god for DVD players.. that's all I have to say.

We entered the buckeye state... 

and then they were both out...



We unpacked, and then headed to the grocery store to get some food for us...

And maybe a souvenir to take home... 

The next day these two were best buds all.day.long. so cute

They are two weeks apart - both 4 and full of fire. 

And the lone prince of the family... He was so so so well behaved the entire trip.

Thursday evening I was off to the rehersal dinner.

Such a good time being with my friends from college.

It was such a great pre-party to an amazing wedding ...

A rare selfie

Friday we spent the day just relaxing.

I went for a run.

The cousins and family came over for some yummy Baka's fried chicken.



Wedding Day.



It was a bit dreary start to the morning.. much like our wedding was I believe..

But soon after it started to clear at all the right times.

 

We each got massages after our hair & before our makeup.

We had quite a nice pampering morning.

And then, just like that, she was a bride.

The most beautiful, stunning...I could go on and on...

The college 4.

I have so many wonderful memories with these girls.

Through my ups, downs, bad times, good times, boyfriends, brakeups, stupid things we've all done, and more..

We laughed and laughed all weekend, and it of course ended too soon.

I'll leave out some embarrassing and hysterical pics.. not sure who would want them shared with the world..ha...



The limo ride was as fun as the reception... and the photographer was a character

 

And just like that we danced, laughed, and the fabulous night had come to an end

We had a great weekend celebrating such a wonderful couple.

I hope you are sinking your toes into the warm white sand.

xoxo

 

 

 

Ready... Set... Ohio!

Andrew George.. He was all set for another road trip.

We left around 9:30 this time, thinking he'll pass out eventually.. and he did.

He did pretty good.

We arrive at Baka & Papa's house to find Grace and Julia, and Samantha was so happy.

Andrew loves all the attention, and Grace is just like a little Mama to him, so sweet.

Sass had been talking about the "blue" swing since we left the driveway, and girl got her fill while in Ohio.

We snacked on pizza, and then had some cool treats.. even Andrew our little food boycotter..ate.



 

His new word lately is "cone" ... can you guess why?

 

The three little princesses

One Blonde, One Brunette & The Red Head

 

It was a 2 nap kind of day for AG.

He fell asleep in the hammock with me for a bit.

 

The next day.. Mama hit the road.

It was girl time.. something I had not enjoyed since waaay before I started this blog.

Erica's Bachelorette Party/Overnight in Catawba Island.

 

The first thing I did when I got there was sit down.

And I kept sitting for a long time. I think my body was in shock.



After laughing, some drinks, and some snacks, we decided to hit the pool.

It was SOOO incredibly nice to sit and just have myself to worry about..

There were no children to run after, or put down for a nap, no dinner to make, or laundry to fold..

It was heaven.

After our swim we all got ready and headed to a little local winery & gave the bride her little gifts.

 

We headed in for dinner & drinks and continued to celebrate a great friend who deserves so much happiness! I am so so glad I was able to attend this weekend.

I found myself close to peeing my pants on several occasions.. so that's a good indication that much fun was had. 

 

The next morning I made my way back home, feeling tired.. yea, I know, Tired? I just had a night away? But I was happy to see my babies, and we enjoyed our last day in Ohio

 

 

Sassy needed to give Poppy a grooming...

 



 

And we even had visitors our last evening stop by.

It was a great time, and even Samantha didnt want to come home this time!