Pinterest is an addiction and for those of you who do not know what it is, email me and I will send you an invite. I have created a ton of boards of projects that I need to create and finally took the opportunity this Christmas break to complete them. Here are some of the things that I created with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law.
Rosette hair clip (we also made bib necklaces)
Willow was “helpin” too.
My 27th birthday was yesterday, and we celebrated with a little bit of shopping and a little bit of crafting. Blake baked me a chocolate cake and Sawyer and Willow helped me blow out. Noah and I had some alone time, sleeping in together and having a quiet bath. Blake gifted me a new pair of Toms and Willow sang, “Happy Birthday to Willow.”
Finally, after all of our traveling, we headed back to Aberdeen for one more Christmas. This time, we opened gifts late, and the kids were just pooped. Willow and cousin Sawyer had fun running from gift to gift, but after awhile, we had two tired toddlers on our hands. Santa treated everyone well, and after her choo-choos that she got in Red Lodge one she got in Aberdeen, Santa fulfilled Willow’s entire wish list. Blake’s brother Chris was in town and he was introduced to his new nephew, Noah, for the first time.
Christmas at Red Lodge concluded with my favorite holiday tradition: stocking stuffers, sledding, more skiing, and a sleigh ride.
This holiday season I tried to teach Willow a few Christmas carols to sing in order to break the monotony of always singing ‘Rock a Bye Baby’ at bedtime. Well, her favorite song became Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and this year, he really did make a special visit! Dressed in his Christmas finest, Noah wore a Santa suit (while Willow stole the hat) from his great aunt and uncle/Godparents Lisa and Jerry. He made a pretty cute Santa!
My dad is always so proud to say that my sister and I learned to ski at Red Lodge Mountain, and I am pumped that Willow had her first ski experience here too. She was ready and eager to put on her boots and skis and she showed no intimidation when she rode the carpet up the hill or flew down between Daddy’s skis.
Auntie Holly and Papa Choo were so proud!
We hope everyone is having as great of a Christmas as we are! According to Willow, Merry Christmas Tree amd Happy New Yeah!
Today we started our first day of Christmas away from home. Blake and I have not yet experienced a Christmas where we weren’t at one parent’s house or the other, but this year, my family decided to do something different: Christmas in Red Lodge. This afternoon we arrived at our mountain home just in time to do some unpacking, spend time with my Dad’s side of the family, play a few games of cards, and decorate the tree. Willow was so excited to see everyone and to introduce her little brother to the crowd. Once cousin Ava spotted the baby, she asked if that was Noah. Willow became very jealous when she saw someone inquiring about our new addition. With all the attitude a two-year old could muster, she responded, “No, that’s MY SISTER.” We giggled and Willow got a little embarrassed although she doesn’t understand why: Noah is still a boy and Willow has yet to figure out that she’s the sister!
This evening we rounded out our day with an amazing meal together cooked by my Uncle and Aunt, and planned our next few days here. Noah cuddled with his Godfather, Jerry, and besides him, has spent most of his time in Grandma Gail’s arms. (He also pleased us by sleeping the entire way here!) Willow and Ava were just exhausted tonight after such an exciting day. Tomorrow we have a busy agenda of skiing, Christmas shopping, Christmas Eve church, games, and once again more food!
This year we are blessed to be able to spend Christmas in multiple places with both sides of our family. Christmas #1 was spent in North Dakota with my mom’s side of the family. My cousins and aunt decided that wwe couldn’t have Christmas without a chocolate fountain, and a new tradition was started. Willow and Noah met most of this side for the first time, and they were both spoiled with love and affection by my cousins, aunt and uncle, grandma, and my mom and dad. We rounded out the day with two huge feasts and a White Elephant gift exchange. Willow doesn’t quite get that Christmas presents aren’t only for her and wanted to open everyone else’s presents. On the other hand, Noah was extremly colicky, and was quite a challenge for Blake and I. We have a few tricks up our sleeves (Colic Calm and Happi Tummy), but these next few weeks are goin gto be interesting with that little guy.
I don’t know why I find taking a family photo every year is necessary. In fact, managing to take one with a newborn and a two year old was almost impossible, but I had to have that picture to document our growing family this year. Last year was a little easier. Our photo was taken in Kansas City in November. It was still 50 degrees and we gave Willow a pine cone to play with while she sat with us for the photographer. This year…well, it was freezing, and the pine cones didn’t work. Willow wanted chocolate, Daddy was crabby, Noah was cold, and Mommy needed that perfect shot. In between takes Noah had a blanket and Willow got her chocolate. Daddy got a few stern words, and the photos were taken. It might not be the perfect location and we might look a little chilly and maybe you can’t see Noah’s face in any of the pictures and Willow decided not to smile, but we worked it out, and managed to get a semi-decent photo. Jeesh!
Now, my apologies for not sending out Christmas cards. I am trying to save paper (and stamps!) Merry Christmas to all! I hope you have a beautiful holiday with your family and friends. Enjoy one another and don’t forget why we celebrate this amazing time of the year!
After running a few errands today, Willow and I pulled into the garage just as snow began to fall. Willow got to experience a ton of snow (and snow days) last year in Kansas City, and has been patiently waiting for more this winter. Well, today we just had a few flurries, but she tried to make snow angels nonetheless.
