CHRISTMAS DAY

CHRISTMAS DAY

December 27, 2018

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Another perfect Christmas in the books! Christmas this year felt a lot like checking off boxes. A never-ending to-do list that we felt HAD to be done. In the end, I cut a few corners, lowered some expectations and breathed. It was perfect. It always is perfect. 

Our snowman pancake tradition grew by a few whipped cream hats. We feasted on all the pancakes and hot chocolate our stomachs could take. 

It's so fun to watch the kids' personalities grow each year. Lia reacts to her presents the second she can see what they are. And, it's always a BIG reaction! Nico waited until every last piece of wrapping paper was off his gift before he reacted. It was the funniest thing to watch! 

We surprised them (again) with a trip to Disney World! It's the best way to keep the Christmas cheer going and celebrate their back-to-back birthdays.

Here's to the next perfect Christmas! 

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A CHRISTMAS RECITAL, 6

A CHRISTMAS RECITAL, 6

December 21, 2018

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Another performance of The Nutcracker in the books! I was SO excited for this year's show. Lia has been taking extra dance classes for months on top of her regular ballet class. She got to perform twice in the show this year! Double the routines, double the costumes! 

It was so great for her to push herself and see how far she has come. She's been dancing since she was 3 1/2 and once again, she brought me to tears. 

We let her dance without glasses for the first time this year AND she talked me into a red lip. It's the first year I've let her wear makeup on stage and she was so giddy! 

This year, she danced the role of an angel and a flower in the waltz of the flowers. I think it's my one of favorite dances yet! Though, I probably say that every year.... 

Here's to her dancing feet and what the next few months of ballet brings!

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THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TREE HUNT, EDITION 6

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TREE HUNT, EDITION 6

December 20, 2018

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It was business as usual back at our local tree farm so we went out there the weekend after Thanksgiving and found our perfect tree!

The kids were excited to stick to our tradition this year since it didn't pan out the same last year. And, with family in town it was extra special to share one of our favorite December traditions.

Silly faces and a few rounds of hide and seek among the trees were the big hits of the afternoon! 

We squeezed in a family photo, chopped down the perfect-for-us tree, and listen to Christmas songs all the way home.

She's a little bigger than our usual tree and she's quite the beauty when she's all decked out! 

Twinkly lights forever and ever! 

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GIVING THANKS AND CATCHING UP

GIVING THANKS AND CATCHING UP

November 28, 2018

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Hey, friends! It's been a while and sometimes this blog makes me feel like the absolute worst! Nothing like mom guilt over rarely documenting life here after the second child. Am I right?!

But in the spirit of documenting what I love and trying to get back on track, I thought I would share our Thanksgiving! Did you have a good Thanksgiving? Ours was great but I honestly cooked so much that I don't care to do it again until next year! Of course, I say that and Christmas will roll around and I'll make big dinner plans again...

We aren't usually home for Thanksgiving so this year was a bit of a treat. We stayed in and decorated the house for Christmas a little early. Except for the dining room - which, I did right by Thanksgiving with a mix of real and ceramic pumpkins and fresh greenery. We snuggled together on the sofa watching the floats and balloons of the Macy's parade on TV. The kids pointed out their favorite characters and had pretend snowball fights during the commercials. 

A great dinner, a little Black Friday shopping, and a lot of family time. We had the best weekend and it was the perfect kick-off to the holidays! 

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