Christmas Recap

Any shame I may feel about doing a Christmas post at the end of January is completely mitigated by the fact that at the time of my writing this, my sister, brother and parents all still have their Christmas trees and decorations up :)

I really want to get some Christmas pics up on my blog for my own sake mostly.

We spent the day on Christmas Eve at Mimi and Grampy's house. AND the cousins and Uncle J and Auntie Em were in from the west coast as well.

What a treat to be able to watch the kids play together and catch up on loads of conversation.And pictures.

These two prepped the Christmas dinner table for us

While this guy looked on slept the entire afternoon

It was a lovely day of family time. And of course I had to take the obligatory "cousins in Christmas best" picture on the couch. I challenge you to decide which child is most miserable :) CLASSIC.

Christmas morning we headed to Oma and Opa's house in the city. Oma presented a delicious breakfast spread

And we had quite a stack of presents to get through...

This is what happens when there are 11 people in your immediate family and they all insist on avoiding the 'grab-bag' gift giving tradition.

Hours later...

We made it through all the gifts. I did get a group shot, but I think my family members would murder me if I posted it, jammies, dirty hair, and all.

This little guy got some great gifts. Mr. Potato Head actually managed to occupy him for more than ten minutes...

which is always a fantastic feat

I'm learning that Christmas becomes even more fun to look forward to as you have little ones to prod towards Christmas anticipation and the celebration of "Baby Deesus". The holidays once again remind me of how blessed we are...for our hope of eternity, for the love of our family, and for my two dear little boys.

Me and my hubby and these two boys (and Elmo) hope that you had a blessed Christmas and New Year celebration.

Ships Ahoy!

So...my brother and his lovely new wife moved here to the good ole' Midwest after living in So-Cal. Why they chose to do this in the middle of the winter, a mere six weeks before the birth of their first baby, I'm not entirely sure. However, it was great timing on OUR part because we were able to throw them a baby shower!

They know they are having a boy, and I noticed my sis-in-law had registered for some whale prints and such, and also with them being fresh from the Pacific coast, we decided a nautical theme would be apropos.

So, we took it and ran (er, sailed?) with it.

My little artsy sis found some ideas on Pinterest, and then of course made them even more creative and unique and wonderful.

The table centerpiece...dried seaweed, rocks, empty wine (rum?) bottles with candles

Chalkboard drawing by my sis, of course.

The silverware packets also picked up the nautical theme, with hemp ties, lifesavers, and striped twine. (These were my favorite :)

The favors, which tragically, most people were not aware of and forgot to take home with them

were comprised of chocolate gold coins, lifesavers, gummy fish and gold nugget gum (the candy compilation was my mother's idea...brilliant)

And of course, on those high seas, one can always expect to run into a little 'shower' (or giant typhoon)

The cake (also decorated by my sis) was darling with a spouting whale

And we were so happy that so many family and friends joined us to celebrate

 And the expectant parents looked adorable

and they got to do some practicing

Ei, yei, yei...I'm still having a hard time picturing this little bro as a father...

but I am oh so excited to see it happen!




Well...these ex-Californians survived the Polar Vortex...

Next up - labor!!