Our Place to "Reset"

We are lucky enough to get to go to the beach for the long weekend. I love the beach. I know I say it every time, but there is something magical about our family time there. Everything is slower. We walk more. We hang out a lot. We don't have to run anywhere. BLISS.

Zoo Lights

This year Henry boycotted the Zoo Lights, so I decided to have a girls date. I feel bad for Maggie - sometimes when you are the youngest the oldest kids are burnt out. I have to say, I am SO THRILLED we went. It was the best year ever. The Zoo went all out. It was magical. 

Christmas

It is IMPOSSIBLE to not love Christmas if you have young kids - I am convinced. We had a magical one and it was filled with my favorite thing - my family. Our kids got things that perfectly depict who they are -- Henry - a basketball hoop, kindle to read, and math games. Frances - a fireman set, a policeman set, and super hero set. Maggie - make up, ponies, and lots of doggies. Mark - Season tickets to the Timbers!!!!!! Christmas night my parents arrived from Alaska and went to Great Grandma's to celebrate and then back home for dinner. 

Christmas Eve...a Whole New Tradition

Our family was out of town for Christmas Eve. A new thing. I was devastated. So....I invited friends to Cathedral for mass and then dinner at one pf my favorite restaurants. It was chaotic bliss...at least for me...with eight adults and eight kiddos. I have HORRIBLE pictures as I was having too much fun celebrating the day...but we had so much fun! Our friends are family to us - I can't say how thankful I am for them. XO

Cookie Decorating Party!

My friend Dana had a brilliant idea to decorate cookies with the kiddos. Amazingly, our kids are the oldest of the group - so weird. We had the best time. I LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! little kiddos in the house. Maggie overdosed on sprinkles.