The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2015)

Christmas was huge and wonderful and magical, but we had a lot of festivity in the lead-up, as well...

We kicked off the season with a family trip to see The Grinch at the Grand Ole Opry. Opryland is a literal nightmare this time of year--and the traffic looked like it only got worse as the month went on--but it was worth it for the show. We thought he might be scared, but he was rapt for the whole performance and doesn't seem traumatized.

Visions of sugarplums...in the big boy bed

The breaky tree. Just to look at. 

Bringing his own personal decorating flair to our tree

Mom and Dad snuck off for a weekend getaway...

...while C took Doc to a hockey game and made cookies with Jules and Pej.

Card of The Year Award goes to Michelle.

Construction belt from the Smiths...surprise hit. Working on the belt loop concept, but it's not compatible with the current potty process. 

Quotable C and the Advent Calendar

May the chicken of peace be with you and yours this holiday season.

Thanksgiving 2015

Happy happy, everybody!

We had a nice Thanksgiving in Nashvegas. We started out the morning at home hanging out together, and then headed over to my parents' house for the annual bitchfest that is the Christmas card photo shoot. Much gratitude. After that was out of the way (and everybody but me and the kid started drinking), moods improved and we were all happy by meal time.

Somebody's been enhancing the silver. Culprit remains at large.

A light post-meal read

We are thankful.

We hope your Thanksgiving was happy and healthy.

Rainy Halloween with Friends 2015

So...remember last year's costume drama?

This year he was down with being a firefighter, but still wasn't really interested in putting the costume ON. Any time anyone asked what he was going to be for Halloween, he promptly replied "a firefighter." But the execution...wasn't quite there. 

In the end, the World's Most Literal Child just needed it to actually be Halloween. We packed it in a bag, took it to Georgia's house on Halloween night, and he sat down and put it on. 

Is he proud, or what?

Also, she was a fabulous mermaid.

He kept sticking his belly out like this when I said "show me your costume!"

So this is what you get.

These boots were a last-minute impulse buy on Amazon. I thought they might sweeten the deal a bit.

At present, he finds adult decrees that Halloween is over to be arbitrary. He has worn the boots all day every day since Halloween. I'm talking to school, out to eat, to nap, with jammies...you name it. 

This Tuesday also happened to be picture day at school, so they may be professionally captured for posterity. I drew the line at wearing the suspenders to school, but he is wearing a fire truck t-shirt in the picture for sure. Don't judge--that was the compromise arrived at after complex negotiations. Parenting!

Happy "Mudder's Day"

School told C he should say "I love you" and give hugs on "Mudder's Day," so I love you to all and hugs for everyone...

for the veteran moms
and mommies of littles
still-baking mommies and brand-new mommies
moms of angels
those wishing and hoping to be moms (for the first, second, or sixth time)
and the not-there-yet future mommies who have still learned from the best...

PLUS the friends, sisters, sort-of sisters, fairy godmothers, and aunties (at all levels of Great-ness) who make it all a little more sparkly...thanks.

xo

Easter (Week) 2015

On Wednesday, we dyed eggs with Brooks

(no photos from the process as we were just trying to manage toddlers + dye + eggs...)

They preferred very vibrant hues. Or, more accurately, dropping the eggs in and going to play for a long time while "checking" them intermittently.

On Thursday, we visited the bunnies at Phillips.

He had a big Easter morning at home with his basket (lots of Cars cars), and then we had brunch.

(it's hard to see, but Waiter Mater has a tray of martinis he's bringing you...totally not child appropriate perhaps, and I don't understand why, but I thought it was too funny to pass up)

Sweet Momo had gotten up early and hidden some eggs in the yard...he picked up on the concept pretty quickly!

Happiest Easter to those celebrating, and a beautiful spring to all. 

xo

Second Birthday: Born to be Wild

We had a few friends (baby, toddler, and adult) over to my parents' house last Sunday to celebrate Mr. C with a special

SAFARI!

(basically I chose a theme several months ago and was trying to choose something that was not so fleeting that he'd be over it by the time his actual birthday rolled around...)

Everyone had a big ol' time, so I wanted to share a few shots. Thanks to Yaya for manning the camera so I could have my hands free to chase toddlers and eat kid food.

Please note that I cheated--Sara hosted a (fabulous) fundraiser for the CF Foundation the previous night, so I got to piggyback on all her resources. Setup, furniture, flowers, and anything good looking was all her.

(All sources are at the bottom of this email because this furniture is AMAZING for events that do not involve 2 year olds)

Driving around, hoping to see some wildlife

They don't even MAKE those Power Wheels safari jeeps anymore...what is this world coming to?!

If you're not familiar with a Lion's Tail, I recommend getting you some. 

It's sort of like a more wintry Moscow Mule: bourbon, spice, lime...

Lion's Tail recipe here

Sweet and special to be able to re-purpose this fun tassel banner (??) that Grace Ann had at the adorable baby shower in honor of Le Petit Prince two years ago!

Boardmaker for the win...I didn't know if kiddos would actually be engaged in the animal search, but they LOVED it.

And C kept calling the binoculars his "knockers," so that made it all worth it.

Much more in to the cake portion of the program this year

invitations + swag * nico and lala / safari gear * Amazon / balloons + napkins * Party City / cake + cookies * Dulce / furniture * Please Be Seated / child-size furniture * Amazon / 6" celebration candles * Everyday Occasions / birthdate pillow * Harpeth Gallery