A Little Alone Time with Our Babies

Ahhhh... Saturday mornings.

One thing that we love is spending time with each of our kids individually.  There's nothing like it.  So when Nanny had asked if Cohan could come make Christmas cookies with her Saturday morning, we took this as a chance to spend time with Ireland.  She offered to take Ireland, but we wanted to spend time with her.  Cohan had a blast, and we enjoyed a morning of Christmas shopping and lunch out with just the three of us!  These are the pictures they sent me! 

Then, Saturday night we had a Christmas party.  This used to be an adults only party.  But, now, everyone has kids and they all get along so well.  We all know how much fun our kids have together, so we couldn't leave them out.  Everyone put in money, hired a babysitter, and all the kids played together in the basement while the adults had a fun time upstairs.  There were about 10 kids and they had a blast.  We left Ireland at home with Uncle Pooh and Aunt Meagan since she goes to bed a lot earlier and can't partake in lots of the fun with the big kids yet.  She had a good time too!   

Thank you so much to Nanny, Papa H, Unlce Pooh and Aunt Meagan. 

Our kids are so lucky to have you and so are we!!!

Magic Tree

One really cool Columbia tradition around the holidays is The Magic Tree.  This tree takes your breath away.  Last year, it moved locations.  This tree used to be in a neighborhood through the woods behind our house.  At night, we could see it from our backyard.  Now, it has moved and attracts quite the crowd.  So tonight, after a workout with my trainer (I feel like I need to say that because I look like a hot mess) and dinner, we packed the kids in the car and went driving to look at Christmas lights knowing that our final destination was The Magic Tree.  Cohan LOVED it!!!  The boy was in awe.  He ran around, touched it, talked to people and soaked up the Christmas cheer.  Ireland, well, she was a little taken aback by the rainbow of lights and people.  She was wide eyed the whole time.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

Sunday was tree cutting day!  Scott and I have been doing this at Star Pines Tree Farm for years.  We love their warm apple cider, farm fresh eggs, Amish sweet treats, the homemade wreaths and just the experience. 

This year was a little different because the weather was (dare I say) hot.  I mean we were sweating and stripped layers as we left.  It didn't feel like Christmas Tree cutting weather.  But hey, this mom is NOT complaining!  It was beautiful!!!

Cohan was in a hurry to get everyone's trees cut so he could get back on that tractor for another ride!

Cohan loved watching the tractor. 

Our tree!

When we got back in town, Scott left to help his mom and Jack get their trees in their stands.  The kids and I took the opportunity to play outside, talk to neighbors and do a little outdoor clean up.  Ireland loved playing in the grass.  Cohan kept a close eye on her and an even closer eye on his sweet ride while he sat with his sister.  

When Scott got back, he and I got our tree in the stand and Cohan wanted to help... 

So did Ireland... 

Monday night, we finished the tree.  I love our house around the holidays! 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Today, we put up our Christmas decorations around the house and outside! 

Usually, we go cut down our tree, decorate the house and put everything outside all in one day.  This year, about a week ago, we decided that we wanted to make it a weekend event.  We looked at the weather and decided today was perfect to do everything but our big tree.  Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful so it will be a perfect day to be outside.  Our kids have also both been fighting a little stomach bug (thanks Uncle Pooh), so it worked out perfectly to stay home today.  We had intentions to go to breakfast with Santa this morning with friends, but Cohan wanted to stay in his PJs.  He also asked why we couldn't just text Santa.  Oh boy.  So, instead, there was a number kids could call today, here in Columbia, and talk to Santa.  He loved that and was excited to tell Santa he wanted a fire truck and trash man (truck)!! 

 

So, we stayed home and decked our halls around here...

 

 

 

 

Ireland's Tree

Cohan's Tree

Our Little Family

Pictures are something that we keep forever.  We had family pictures done by Tara Long.  I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.  To me, these pictures are a text book definition of perfection.  I cherish them...