And to all, a good night!

Christmas was pretty awesome at our house.  Nothing fancy or over the top, just your normal sort of awesome! We woke, threw on some Christmas jams, had some coffee and got to it.  Max knew it was a special day I think.  He immediately walked over to a present, grabbed it and handed it to me.  "Mama open?"

It was funny to me that he didn't want to open the gifts but rather have me do it.  Opening presents is the best.  The element of surprise, the riping and the tearing! I am sure next year he will be all about it!

The Hubby and I put ourselves on a budget this year, because our up coming trip to Panama is plenty! So we had to get creative.  I have to give him props.  The Hubby did very well and I have to admit, I was skeptical.  But he was so thoughtful and really paid attention to the things I would like or need.  I didn't even give him any hints. Such a sweet heart.  Max made out like a bandit, as I assume all small children did.  He got cars galore! I think he is set for the year!

Hope your Christmas was awesome as well!  

TRAINS!

of course Oz needed his toys too

Love the annual Hess rig!

a future rockstar?

CHIRSTMAS EVE

This Christmas Eve we had dinner with our dear friends Leigh and Shad and Family. They used to be our neighbors but decided to move out of the big ol' city into the Burbs.  Although I am still not a fan of the Burbs, I can tell you that I did/do drool over their vast closet space. I even day dream of what I would do with all that space,....... yard, pantry, multiple bathrooms....

Oh right, I'm back. 

 So anyways, we ate loads and loads of yummy food, Prosecco and chocolate (they had a mini chocolate fountain that was AH-Mazhing).

And we even got to open our traditional Christmas Eve presents.  You can see by the looks on the kiddos faces how mesmerized they were by this.  Max is now present crazy and thinks he gets new ones every day.  What a hard lesson that is it teach.  Sorry son, all done. 

Said the meanest mom EVA!

cutest ornament placecard holders

Hubby and I

The hostesses withe the mostesses!

and we made the wall o' friends

kiddie table

what is that.......

PRESENTS!!!

My very own ferry boat!

craft night #2

Our second annual craft night extravaganza was also a hit.  A handful of girls got together to craft, drink and eat.  And one cute small girl also made an appearance, hence the sippy cup amongst the wine glasses.

Since it is December, obviously we stuck with in the Christmas theme.  Leigh and I made a paper wreaths made from the pages of books.  Nicole and Annemarie made rosemary wreaths.  Merry and Christina made vision boards (think the Secret) and Leigh's mom made the cutest place settings. (see post Christmas Eve). It is nice to have time away to focus on one project.  It almost forces us to slow down.  I mean we all pin projects like crazy, its time we start actually making some shiz!

sippy cup and all

I brought the sweets...

so serious crafters

almost done....

tada

super cute right!

cookies and holiday cheers!!!!

Of course this time of year is special.  Magical too.  Max seems to love the idea of Santa, but is more impressed with the ideas of toys.  I can't get a box inside the door with out him thinking it is for him and that it contains TOYS. Well cars to be more precise.  And of course I don't want this holiday to be all about receiving.  A hard task indeed when everything seems to revolves around buying toys, receiving toys and enjoying new toys.

My favorite Christmas memory is of my father.  We opened our presents on Christmas Eve in our house, which was odd to me, but hey I got to open my gifts before my other friends.  My parents would put me to sleep and then come wake me a few hours later.  ( Do you know how hard it is to fall asleep like that, the pressure)  One Christmas Eve my Father yelled, "Hurry come quick Santa is leaving, look out the window, you might catch a glimpse".  And I had my nose pressed so hard against the window hoping to sneak a peek.   Maybe next year I thought.

 That for me was awesome, and magical.  

I hope to see that same sparkle in Max's eyes one day.

Watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Yum, coooookkkkkiiiiessss

not to shabby

lights

Our first ornament. 

zoolights

This was our first year enjoying the Zoolights.  For those who aren't in the know....it's where the Zoo transforms into a magical lighted wonderland.  Max loved it and I loved watching him.  He did wonder where all the animals were.  Sadly they were all sleeping, apparently their day job is very demanding, :)

We walked around with the family, ooooing and awwwwing.

It was a good time.

good ol' Seattle

The last week it has been cold, cold, cold.  But with all this cold, the sun has been especially gracious with her generosity.  How can you not take advantage of these days. We bundle up and we brave the elements.  The views did not disappoint.  

The is park is one of my favorites.  

The view is stunning, don'tcha think?

my drama queen

fishes...

It's cool when you see your kids, "get it".  I started taking Max to the aquarium when he turned one.  He seemed interested, but he didn't really get it. Even as the months went on, he didn't really seem to care.  Mostly he just enjoyed running around the aquarium and if a fish caught his eye, cool, but otherwise he was too busy racing down the ramps to be bothered by sea life.

But recently I asked him if he wanted to go see the fishes and he said YES. I was surprised and thought maybe he heard me say fire truck or something.  But no, he actually wanted to see the fishes.  I was so thrilled.  When we got there, he was all about it.  And ever since then he has started asking to go see the fishes.  He points out the octopus, jelly fish and otters.  I simply love it!  I can't wait to see what he gets next!

ohhhhhh

look ma'

We even got an octopus sticker!

otters eating lunch!

Here comes Santa Claus....

I just can not get over the expressions on his face.  Can he be anymore scared or irritated by Santa?  Except for the one where he is six months old and has no clue where he is or who this strange man is. 

I even prepped him for the big meeting.  We had been talking all about him.  How he has a sleigh that flies, and he brings toys to children.  I even asked him what he wanted from Santa, and he said CARS.  Which then led to fire trucks, choppers, trains, boats, planes.....and then I lost count.  So I figured he got it.  We walked up to Santa's village and once Max made eye contact with the strange old man, he was having none of it.  I think it scared him that Santa was a real dude.  I think he thought he was a cartoon or something.  Oh well.  maybe next year!

Oh the love of these holiday pictures.  I will never grow tired of them! 

2012

2013