These are a few of my favorite things...

Oh December, you've been so good to us. And though you've left little time for blogging and any actual writing in this space, I'll take it. This month has been filled with so many wonderful moments. So many moments where I have sat back and looked around and was really aware of the beauty this month brings us each year. Moments where I've texted my own mom, who shares my sometimes overly sappy sentiments and exclaimed, "Seriously, being a parent is the best thing ever!!". We've had such fun, and while I still don't understand why "A Few of My Favorite Things" from my beloved Sound of Music is considered a Christmas song...even still, a recap of some of our favorite things.

Christmas Party
I've been wanting to host a little holiday shindig at our house for a while now, but always hesitated because our house is, well, cozy...and best for entertaining in the summer when a backyard can be utilized. But we figured that what better time to be cozy than the holidays?! And I'm so glad we went with it because it turned out just lovely. Some of our most favorite friends, kids included, all gathered in our home. It was such beautiful chaos and my heart was incredibly happy!

We may or may not have resorted to a bit/a lot of Christmas cartoons to keep the littles entertained...

 

This girl. So thankful the interwebs connected us!

Sugar, sugar and more sugar
From gingerbread houses to sugar cookie frosting...it's safe to say the girls got their fair share of sweets this month. But just look how happy it makes them?!

Pictures of you.
By the end of the month my two card holders were bursting at the seams with the friendly faces of our friends and family. I don't know how I'm ever going to take them down?

 

Friend Gatherings.

One thing Nick and I have discussed lately is how fortunate we really are to live within such close proximity to many of our friends. While at times life gets busy and we may not see folks even when we are just blocks away, this month was different. Our community was at its finest...ornament exchanges, luminary lit walks around Greenlake followed by lasagna dinners for 25, cookie decorating, mom's night happy hour drinks. We showed up. We celebrated. And it was wonderful!

 

 

 

 

Prepping for Santa. And his reindeer.

Because Santa isn't the only one who should get the treats.

 



 

Seattle Center Winterfest Iceskating

Last year this idea sounded really fun...and it lasted about 2.2 seconds. Charlotte wasn't having it. And though she did declare last year that she thought perhaps at age 6 she might be ready to try again, it turns out 4 was the perfect age. She loved the iceskating with her daddy...and Mada and I loved being the spectators.



 

Errands in pajamas.

Because, I mean...why not?

 

 

Christmas Party in the Frog Room

That's the face of, "I made a match!" Apparently I was reeeeeeal excited about it.

Long winter naps.



Annual Girls Gift Exchange
And the temporary return of our girl from London. I was like a moth to a flame to her all night. Following her around. Sitting too close. Snuggling in fact. But, we miss her. And I have to eat her up when I get the chance. Such a holiday treat!

LIGHTNING ROUND!

December you've been a blur, but you're always my favorite.

A Christmas Performance.

The school Christmas Program.
A favorite night every year.
And this year, doubled by the fact that both girls were on stage.
Little ones waving, smiling, crying, clapping, singing, jumping, laughing, screaming...it's Christmas joy at it's finest.

 

 

 

The girls and their buds.

I think we may have a performer on our hands...

 

 

 

 

As the show ended, she shouted, "Merry Christmas everyone!!!"

 

That's my girl.

Sing your hearts out babies.

 

 

Magic.

Last weekend, I got to experience a little magic with my big kid. Magic in the form of the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker performance. I was tempted to get us tickets last year, but am so thankful that I waited because I think it made the day even more special. Something that she hopefully will really remember.

 

For weeks we listened to the music and re-read the story of Clara (though in our book her name is Maria...that part was a little confusing). I had given her a ballerina ornament to let her know we were going and the day of she held that ornament all morning long. We put on our fancy dresses, and headed out for our special date. 

 

 

 

I hadn't been to the ballet in years and didn't recall just how well they do it there. The beautiful lobby, filled with multiple Christmas trees, statues and figures from the show, miniature stages to play on, instruments to try out...and staff who clearly take pride in making sure each child leaves feeling the magic.

 

 Twirl.

 

 

The show begins with the orchestra playing the familiar opening song, but the stage is still empty. Just a backdrop scene to accompany that first piece.

She leans over to me and whispers, "I love it already!"

And right then and there I just about lost it.

 

 

That is until intermission, as the clapping was subsiding and the lights were coming up...she looks at me and says, "Mommy! It was so beautiful I had tears in my eyes!"

 

Seriously, baby girl. Stop it. You are my dream.

 

Now, I know she didn't really have tears in her eyes...but she's heard me use that description before, and she understood what it felt like to be moved by the beautiful music and the talent of the dancers.

She felt it.

 

Pure magic.

xoxo