12 Days of Christmas :: Santa!

We finally went to see the big guy the other day...

We started at one mall to get some stuff done like a little golfing...

And Reindeer buying...
{not sure what's happening in this photo - the poses are a new thing}

And then headed over to the Santa I hope lives forever...

We of course got their right as he left to go feed his reindeer... so we waited...

And waited...

But it was worth it... She's seen him the last 2 years...

The first year she was sick and we didn't get to go see Santa... We waited too long and then missed our chance.

But at least this year we got a minor smile and not too much of a side eye... which has been the norm thus far.

Then we shopped a little more and headed to a Christmas party... But not before some more posing and planting stickers all over our face! 


Happy Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas :: Big Christmas (Our Elf)

Yes yes yes... always late I am!  Seriously I just can't seem to get my crap together!  I'll be wrapping up these 12 days of Christmas in the next 4 days... Hoping a couple a day due to my lack of blogging skills!


But neither can Big Christmas...
One morning their were tears because he hadn't moved...
Darn Elf...


Next year I might take up that cast on his leg idea...
Did you see it?!  Genius!

via

Although, last year I had fun moving him around and being creative, but this year I just can't seem to come up with anything really good!  Here are my faves from this season...




Only a few more moves to go!


What does your elf do? 

12 Days of Chirstmas :: Family Skate

If you've followed me for a while you know that we are a skating family.  Ells has had skates since she could walk, I've skated since I was 7, and my husband longer than that...


And I am one who always jumps on the chance to skate outside... I think of it in it's original setting...
However, I'm also the one who usually loves to be bundled up with mittens, scarves, coats, and hats while going around in circles...


This year, with global warming in full effect, we went and it was 70 degrees out.  I wore a long sleeved shirt and light scarf since it was a little breezy and night time.  This however made the rink a little soupy.






But all in all fun times were had and it's something very fun that we all love to do.  It's really fun to watch Ells have a great time too... It does freak her out a bit, but she'll get over it... Or she would if we took her more than once a year!  #badskatingparents





If you are looking for a fun little thing to do outside though, check out The Rink at Hamilton Town Center... it's the perfect size, spot, and thing to do this winter!




Happy Holidays!

12 Days of Christmas :: The Nutcracker

Hello Hello! 
I'm back again just in time for the holidays!  Felt like sharing a few "12 days of Christmas" posts over the next few days to get into the holiday mood!


My little one has been chatting about ballet a lot lately.  She's been doing plies in the kitchen and lots of first and second positions so I thought it would be fun to go and see a version of The Nutcracker.  I remember going to see them every year when I was younger, whether with my mom or my grandma, I feel like we went quite often.  And we always got gussied up.  It was always a treat and very fun!


So... We tried to get gussied up, but the weather was really messing with my head as far as what to wear.  It was 70 degrees on Dec 12th and we were all in a funk with regards to sweaters.  So we both dressed comfortably instead. 



We headed over to Zionsville Performing Arts to see the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble present their version of The Nutcracker.





While I remember it being a little more intricate, it was perfect for my Ells.  She didn't quite understand the story, but it kept her attention and interest.  She thought it was funny and loved the pretty dancers.  The dancers were pretty good - a few were really great!  The people in the lobby working the sales tables and doors were super pleasant and I don't think you could really have a bad seat in that theater. 



And of course, we got a Nutcracker to start her a collection.  I think we'll probably go every year.  We might try different ones... but hopefully next year she'll be in dance so we'll have a heads up on the best in town.  However, this one was just fine. 



Overall it was a great way to start a tradition with my little.  She loved it.... I loved watching her love it... and all was wonderful until she fell asleep as the Flowers came onto the stage and then woke up yelling "It's not over" as I was walking out with her because all the dancers were taking their bows...
But we will definitely go again! 


And she watched The Nutcracker on YouTube kids all the way home...

Meet Big Christmas

Meet Big Christmas. 

He's our Elf on a shelf.

Little mischief maker he is.

I love seeing Ells face in the morning (when I am home) when she finds him. 

This year he's made his rounds...

Here are a few things he's done so far...

I'm running out of ideas... although I know there are TONS all over the internet, I'm trying to keep them family friendly. 

I think we've done pretty good so far...

Now... to think of 6 more good ones! 

Favorite Things - Christmas Pajamas

Can I just say that I love our tradition of Christmas Pajamas?!?  They are one of my favorite things about Christmas!

And do you know who I find to have the best selection of PJs?!?  TARGET!!!  I love TarJay!  It's amazing how many good things they have! 

Here's our picture from last year!

And I'm just hoping mine will button this year!  HAHA!

I received ours today, but here are a few options from TarJay that might suit you...

I personally prefer the Nick & Nora options!

All of these below can be found by clicking here.

For Men:

For Women:

Which do you think I chose?!?!  Guess you'll just have to wait and see!  :)

-- My Ideal Holiday --

Would be on a beach in Tahiti somewhere....

HAHA... right! 

No, really I was thinking about this the other day. 

It would be with family.

We'd attend a very merry midnight mass.

We'd go volunteer somewhere Christmas morning... probably a soup kitchen. 

We'd "sponsor" a family that couldn't afford to have Christmas and

get them all the best things!  



We'd all dress in holiday pajamas....

We'd eat until we were stuffed... and somehow donate the leftovers<-- Is this weird?  I just feel like so much is usually wasted because we can't eat it all.  

We'd drink and sing karaoke and EVERYONE would get up on the mike. 



Doesn't this sound like fun?  Does to me. 

It's all about traditions...



Holiday Pajamas 2009
What's up with the scrunched up face Mike?!

Can't wait to figure the rest of mine out, but for now we'll continue with the exchange of holiday pajamas on Christmas Eve and kissing under the mistletoe.