No Day But Today: The BIG Christmas post.

Oh, December.

Once again you did not disappoint. My most favorite month of year.

So much planning, and memory making and enjoying.

This year, perhaps more than ever, I really wanted to absorb all the wonder that the holiday brings with it...to really feel present and aware during these days.

Because the girls...and their ages...the belief...the magic of it all...I am very aware right now that some of our most cherished days are being lived right now.

It's happening. And I am overwhelmingly grateful for them all.

Charlotte was telling me the other day how she remembers things by taking a lot of pictures in her mind.

Oh my girl, I took SO many pictures in my mind this holiday season.

Of you, your sister, your daddy.

Of us.

Of friends and family.

And of these special days.

(but don't worry, I also took about 500 pictures on my camera too, so here we go...)

Our first Christmas in our new home!!

Annual trip to Swanson's to find our perfect tree...along with a little visit to the reindeer and camel.

Decorating is even more fun now with my little helper elves!

Celebrating with friends

Our tradition continued at Suncadia for Bake Off weekend...though the baking and crafting are getting less and less prominent, and catching up, card writing, wine drinking have taken the front seat.

Friends visiting from near and far.

Friends cozied under our roof.

Friend gift exchanges and traditions that continue

Gingerbread houses with sugar and spice.

Literally and figuratively.

Kindergarten Elf Day

(thanks Teta for making the elf outfit!)

Letters to Santa

Long winter naps

Christmas Program #1

...where a certain someone claimed she was going to be the loudest singer, but got a tad stage fright.

Christmas Program #2

Oh Miss Charlotte...listening to your little voices singing, and watching you bravely and confidently go on stage to say your speaking lines...we were so very proud of you!