Holidays 2013

We so enjoyed doing some holiday activities together this year. 

Christmas is such a special time of year. I enjoy all the preparations, as well as the day itself, each year. As with thanksgiving, I miss being close to my family and friends so much this time of year, but am thankful for technology and the ability to send a text or see their faces online.

As always December seemed to come and go so quickly this year. 

I love blogging as a way to capture the memories so that we can remember and "re-live" them at later times.

Iz and I went to the Nutcracker together this year. Graham took these pictures before we left.

I enjoyed it very much! Iz seemed to like it "so-so" although recognized some of the songs she'd heard before saying "Hey that's just like the song on the ipad" haha. We talked about the orchestra, how much we liked the costumes and how talented the dancers were.

Baking treats for teachers, friends and neighbors.

 This year my favorite treats to make was melted rollos on pretzels, 

then topped with a Christmas M & Ms. 

Yummy!!
We also made granola, M & M cookies, and chocolate cookies with peppermint kisses.
I'm ready to eat healthy again.....=)

 Decorating the tree! We had such a great tree this year, a perfect fit into our living room.

Izzy had a  ballerina and book stack ornament this year, and bodie had a train and a bicycle. 

Thanks mom for sending some of the great ornaments. 

G and I bought an "our first home" ornament this year as well.

Making and decorating gingerbread cookies on Christmas eve. 

Very fun! and yummy!

very serious work

trying out the decorations...just to make sure

yup...this sums us up

our real life gingerbread house. photo courtesy of g

how cute, right?

cookies, milk, carrots, and photos for Santa and the reindeer

Wrapping presents and watching White Christmas. Another of my favorite holiday traditions. This year G wasn't feeling good so he went to bed early, so I missed my partner in crime but still enjoyed the quiet evening and had the freedom to sing "i'm dreaming of a White Chistmas" along with the movie as loud as I pleased. =)

A blessed and happy holiday season!