Holiday Hangover

The holidays of 2012 are officially over and Gracie, our cat is so happy that her reindeer antlers have been retired until next year.

We had a nice time with both sides of the family. Christmas eve was spent at my parents home and was celebrated with lots of food, desserts and "thoughtful" white elephant gifts. This is what my husband was lucky enough to bring home. 

It sings and dances and is just overall - creepy. This will be re-gifted for next year.... I will make sure of it.

Christmas Day was spent with Peter's side of the family. We celebrated the Austrian way. Plate full of schnitzle and potatoes - YUM!!! I'm sure that there was other healthier good for you food, but this is all I can remember. This is the stuff that gets fought over even if there are plenty left for everyone. Mmmm. Makes me want one now. 

The whole day and evening was a lovely celebration and being together with family is always the best gift. 

My brother-in-law, Andrew was in town from Kodiak for Christmas. His birthday was back in September, but we wanted to celebrate such a big birthday as a family. So although it was a little belated, we snuck Happy 50th Birthday party for him a few days later. 

This is the center piece for the table. (thank you Pinterest)

My angels had to cover their eyes when the decorations came out. I raided the after-Halloween sales for a few "appropriate" birthday decorations.

I made this shirt for him using the freezer paper method. It worked out great and he thought it was pretty funny. Now he won't get carded so much. Ha! 

We had a busy time, but a good time with all the family. Goodbye 2012 and Welcome 2013!!

 

Christmas Pajama Party

The four-year-old I nanny has been asking repeatedly if he can have a pajama day. Unfortunately our days and schedules don't let us do those as often as he would like, so we came to a compromise that we would have a Christmas Pajama Party. He was elated. I asked him what he would like to do at his party and his full response was to "play with friends." I asked him if he wanted an activity and he said no until I asked him if he would want to do a project with candy - I got his attention and his excitement. So, I had to be creative and well, Pinterest helped me with so many ideas. Here is what we settled with.

We decorated sugar cones to make Christmas trees.
We had green icing, M&M's, Star and Candy Cane sprinkles, Sour ribbon, tiny marshmallows and miniature Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.

I wish I took a photo of all of them as a group, but tending to five four-year-olds and a camera was a little much. All in all we had a great time. Only one melt down but mostly giggles and good times. 

For lunch I served Pb&J'S, veggie Christmas tree and Star shaped apples. (I used cookie cutters to make all the shapes) The kids loved everything - I had clean plates and had to go back and make more Pb&J's! Wow, those kids can eat!

So, here is the party crew, minus two. We had so much fun and are so blessed to have this opportunity to celebrate together! Merry Christmas!