Birthday Lunch

Yesterday was my birthday, and I got to spend it with my very favorite people. We had a relaxing morning, and then we went to Chez Fonfon for a birthday celebration, completed with nationally acclaimed coconut cake (my all time fave!). 

Afterward, we had some super chill time (reading for Skip and me), and then later we watched the Downton Abbey movie. I'm glad I saved it because it was perfect for a rainy birthday night. 

Thanks to my family for gifting me all of my favorites. 

Christmas Day

Santa came!

William George was the first one up and ready, and he quickly roused his sisters to get ready to go downstairs. 

George led the charge, of course. 

Grace needed a new book light...

Siblings exchange the first gifts. 

Everyone asked for shoes...

and clothes...

George asked for a 2019 Snoopy...

Lauren is always in need of school supplies...

After a growth spurt, George needed a new suit...

Belt bags from Madewell...

On trend...

A little sparkle...

And the big presents hidden in the tree! Fortunately, George found them. 

Lots of goodies from grandparents...

Above all, we are incredibly grateful for the birth of our Savior and for being able to spend time with family. 

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

We had a couple of our favorite things scheduled for December 24th. First, we had my mom's Christmas gathering with family from "my side". We got up early, cooked our turkey and dressing, got ready and had a delicious Christmas dinner with family. 

After lunch and a good visit, we went to our church's candlelight service. Because I was manning an eight year old with a lit candle (and guarding the long hair of an older gentleman who was seated in front of him), no photos were taken. But trust me, the service was beautiful.  

After church, we came home and decorated gingerbread men cookies to leave for Santa. Gracie helped George load the Santa tracker, and the girls helped him leave milk/cookies for Santa, as well as food for the reindeer. 

Oh, and they also left a cup of syrup for Zippy, our elf. 

William George has been so excited about Christmas this year... and it was infectious.  

After pushing the "Santa Stop" ornament, we had a reading of the birth of Jesus and the Night Before Christmas. 

We can't wait to see if Santa comes. 

Christmas Eve Eve

Last year, Lauren, Grace and I created a bad precedent by doing some final, last minute shopping on December 22nd.  That strategy worked so well that they talked me into it again! In fact, this time we waited until the 23rd, snoozed until 7:30 and arrived at Target by 8:30 in order to tick some last minute items off the list. After shopping and refueling with some Starbucks, we were ready for the rest of the day.

We then spent the day prepping for Christmas Eve. First, we made cornbread for our dressing. Next, we made two cakes. Finally, we made one of our favorites - chocolate oatmeal cookies - to share with family and neighbors. 

Later we had some much needed Christmas movie time. 

Disclaimer: We were sooo busy shopping/baking that we didn't take time for pics. This pic is from last years' shopping. 

Christmas

Today we kicked off the Christmas season with a Christmas meal at Skip's parents. These guys are so excited to be out of school and are ready to start with all of the Christmas fun. 

Gran and Poppa, thanks for having us!

Later that night, we looked at Christmas lights and then had our annual viewing of Christmas Vacation. "It's a beaut, Clark!"  

Now we're ready for Christmas. 

Pixie

Pixie is on the "nice" list.  

Best Buds

What do you do when your best bud since K2 is coming over for the day? 

You meticulously plan every nerf war, laser tag session, wrestling match, every football toss, every basketball toss and every laugh.  

You want to make sure there is time for everything.  

And then you have to eat A LOT because you need a lot of fuel. 

These guys had a GREAT day, and I kept hearing them say, "We only have two hours and 40 minutes left." 

"We only have one hour and 20 minutes left!" 

"We only have 40 minutes left!"

"WE'VE GOT 10 MINUTES!!!!"

...

...

...

"Can we do this again soon?"

[Absolutely.]