AROUND HERE

These last few days have been pretty much perfect. A great balance of productive and fun. Preston and I went and saw Les Miserables this weekend, but separately. We didn't have a sitter, so we went and saw it one at a time. Solo. It's been a long time since I have gone to see a movie by myself. I loved it! We have an alarming number of icicles forming all around the house, so elliott and I took a little time to knock some down with a broom. He decided they were "magic wands" and insisted on holding one until his hands got too cold. We had tacos, "made" cookies and I got Preston hooked on Downton Abbey. And the fun doesn't end there! We're excited to celebrate the new year tonight with some good friends too. I love this time of year! I hope you have a grand time partying tonight.

DIY NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL

For the past few years we have had our own little ball drop on New Year's eve. Mostly so Elliott can go to bed without missing much. To make your own shiny New Year's ball, head over to Momtastic for all the details. You'll be so happy you did.

OUR LITTLE CHRISTMAS

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas. We sure did! Elliott was more into this year than in years past. He was the best to watch open presents. With every gift (even boring clothes!) he gasped and said something along the lines of "Oh, wow! That's so cool!" What a champ. We had a great time in the morning as just our little family. In the afternoon we headed out to spend the rest of the day with family and had a wonderful time. This year we made a few gifts, bought a few gifts and were gifted a muppet! Our dear friend sent us this muppet for our whole family to enjoy and we definitely have been! We made sure to include all of our traditions from previous years including our sausage in a blanket breakfast and watching "It's A Wonderful Life" on Christmas eve. Christmas is such a magical time and this year was the magical-est (not a word - I know). Merry Christmas!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

We are taking the next few days to get our Christmas on. Some last minute holiday shopping, going to see Santa (help!), making cookies and rocking out to Christmas music. I didn't get around to sending out our cards - though we have had the same ones on hand to send out for the last 3 years! Here is our virtual card. It was an incredible struggle trying to get Elliott to pose the way we wanted. In the end, this is what he wanted to do so we went with it. We sincerely wish you all the merriest Christmas filled with loved ones and warm memories and a whole lot of fun. Happy Christmas!

R.I.P. CHRISTMAS TREE

Yep. Our Christmas tree died. With less than a week to go before the big day! We loved that tree. I don't know what came over me, but I became pretty depressed when I realized our tree was dead. It was like a bad omen for our Christmas!  

We tried sawing it off a little at the bottom, in case it was just a matter of it "sapping" over and sealing the bottom from drinking. But to no avail.

It was pretty depressing, and I couldn't stand it! I wasn't alone either. Elliott was crying and asking for the tree to come back. How can you say no to that?

So we went and got a new one. Preston indulged me and thankfully they still had some trees left. But only one that wasn't already turning brown! The tree was on super discount, so that helped a little bit. 

And this one better make it till after the first of the year! It just wouldn't be Christmas without the tree. I hope your trees are thriving and staying alive for the big day!