TRIM THE TREE.

Still playing catch up. Bear with me.

Every year we cut down our own tree. I love it. I know real trees aren't for everyone, but they're surely for us.

We didn't have to search long for our tree, mostly because there weren't a lot to choose from. We tend to go with an average size tree, fairly full in branches. We are quick to agree and don't waste any time cutting it down. That may have something to do with the cold temps too, but we just don't mess around when it comes to tree cutting.

Found it. Cut it. And away we go.

But first we got to enjoy some popcorn and a little Christmas cheer from the tree lot owner. All kinds of small town fun.

We brought our tree home, and Daddy and Doodey strung it with lights. We waited until the next day to decorate. Remember, Mama's pregnant, and I think I ran out of steam at that point.

But decorate we did, and as usual, clothing is optional at the Slavik home. (*I'm happy to report that we set our thermostat back a mere two degrees, and Nugget now stays fully dressed, all day, most days.)

And there you have it. Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely were your branches.

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM.

We made room for a lot of family time in December, which of course means we pushed some other things aside. Blogging being one of them. Once Christmas came and went, I was enjoying the hiatus from the blogging world so much, and haven't had much desire to return since. But with baby #3 coming in roughly six weeks, I figure I better get myself caught up while I can :)

So, we kicked off December family time by spending a morning at the Children's Museum. It's a shame to admit this was only our second time there. Ever. Once way back when Nugget was around Doodey's age, and now this visit. The kids had a blast. There was so much to do and see that we only made it through one floor before we needed to head out in search for lunch. Nugget has been asking ever since to go back, so we may just have to do that, sooner than later, lets hope.

Here are some pics from the fun day:

The kids made crowns of their own, and Nick even made me one, with my new pregnant nickname he gave me, "Bumps". So thoughtful, right?

CHRISTMAS.

If you're thinking, Whoa, wait. What? Christmas? It's mid February you crazy, that's because you're right. I am posting about Christmas on February 17th to be exact. Only I'm back dating to December to make myself feel better. Ha. I have a few loose ends to wrap up before Baby #3 arrives, and this is one of them. So deal with it :)

We had a very nice, laid back Christmas this year, and couldn't be happier about it. We scaled back the holiday, sought out more time at home, and focused on our own little traditions. It was great.

Our festivities began with Christmas Eve brunch at my mom's house.

 Cousins!

 What could it be?! (a pillow pet!)

 Auntie Angie and her crew got Dude this awesome fedora hat. He loved it!

Showing his monkey face!

 

We had the whole afternoon and evening at home which was a huge change for us this year. It gave us the time to carry out lots of our own little family's traditions, like...

 

Making a yummy dinner.

Finishing up our cookies for Santa.

Sprinkling reindeer food on the front lawn. They like oatmeal, raisins, and glitter, in case you wanted to know :)

Getting ready for bed wearing our new Christmas jammies.

 



Reading The Night Before Christmas.

And dreaming while visions of sugar plums danced in our heads. (I am almost 100% positive I took a pic of Dude sleeping on this night too, and I can't find it anywhere! Sorry buddy. I'm sure you looked adorable)

 

We woke on Christmas morning excited to see if Santa had come, and sure enough, he did!

 

We peeked in our stockings first, and found lots of snacks and goodies!

Dude was all about the snacks, and could have cared less about presents. He just wanted to eat!

 

Nugget asked Santa for this pink sparkly treasure chest she spied at Target, and he remembered!

 

 

Doodey asked for a race track for his cars, and it ended up being fun for all!

 

 

He also got some big boy undies, which made him super happy.

 

 Showing us his muscles.

 

And saying 'Ta da' for getting all the undies pulled up on his legs :)

 

One of my favorite things is that the kids exchange presents with each other. This is a sweet tradition that I hope we continue for many years. Just one small thing, picked specially for the other. Sister gave Dude a hand carved, wooden tractor, and Dude gave his Sissy face paint pencils.

 

 

Nugget was also proud to give us this bell she made for us at school.

 

 

Nick and I exchanged a few, small gifts as well. This sweatshirt is so soft.

 

 

We spent the rest of the morning lounging around home, playing with new toys, and making this birthday cake for Jesus. Okay, I can't take any credit for the cake, that goes all to Nick and Nugget. But it was tiramisu and every bit delicious.

 

 

After nap time we headed to my Grandpa and Grandma Bowen's house for some extended family time and yummy food.

 

 Cousin Cara and Nugget

 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Hope yours was just as happy and blessed as ours!

 

 





HOLIDAY CHEER.

Can you believe Christmas is in 5 days? At least that's what Nugget informed me tonight after counting the mittens left on her advent calendar. I'm ready. Are you? Well, I do have to mail one last package tomorrow and pick up a gift card for our mail man, but other than that, we're good to go.

As I sit here and write this, I can only think of all the things about the holiday season I want to blog but haven't done so yet. Going to the Parade of Lights, cutting down our Christmas tree, and just general goodness that we've been up to. But I'll start with the present, and work my way backwards as time permits. I hope.

***

If your children are giddy over the holiday season, give them some self adhesive googly eyes. It will only make them sillier.

***
This weekend we got to check off one of my favorite holiday traditions with our little family, going to visit Santa Land: A Day in the Life of an Elf at the downtown Macy's. It's pure magic for littles.

The Elves sleeping quarters

Elf School

Reindeer Stable

The Sweets Shop, surely where I would work if I was an elf :)

The candy cane machine

This girl is getting harder and harder to take pictures of...

And these two are just so studly in their matching hats.

***
And the last of my holiday cheer for now...Nugget had her holiday concert at preschool yesterday. Nick and I were both excited to see this "performance" that she's been talking about for weeks. We've heard the songs and caught a few of the actions at home, and I had my fingers crossed that she would follow through with it at school, because Sister can get funky like that.

She was all smiles to see me at first, then almost instantly started to cry and ran over to me. I felt awful, and was so disappointed that she wasn't going to let her little self shine! But after watching her friends perform the first song, she was ready to rejoin her group.

Naturally, there was a little hesitation, but it didn't last long before Sister was bopping her feet to the beat.

It warmed my heart to see. I love her preschool. I love that she loves her preschool.

And Dude, well, he loves that he's included in snack time when we visit :)

***
And that's all she wrote for this edition of Holiday Cheer. Wishing you a splendid and stress free week before Christmas!