Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

We've been dancin' around with the white stuff pretty much every day since New Year's Day. Brrr. I saw this dress here and here and thought I could try my hand at it. Since it is so cold out and I have to be indoors, why not make the most out of it, right?! Stay posted to see how it turns out...

On one of the afternoons, after nap, the Noodle wanted to venture out in it so we donned all the apparel, dusted off the sled and got busy. This particular day it wasn't too cold out but the flakes were big, fluffy and accumulated pretty quickly. Sorry the photos aren't better...the flash picked up on the snowflakes and my lens kept getting wet!


Who says sand toys are only for the sand?!

Wowzaa Wednesday

Sorry I've been MIA lately...after the marathon run of daily posts up through Christmas, I needed to cool my heels. Had to post this though: Papa got home from his trip to Asia and brought these fabulous slippers for the Noodle. Can you say WOWZAA?!?!? While they are technically considered "slippers", they have a sole and heel so they definitely can be worn outside. Now her little feet just have to grow a wee bit more. Lolly and I implored him to bring us each a pair next time he goes. Wonder if he will?



Room to grow...

Happy New Year

Dinner with Lolly and Papa at a cozy, Italian restaurant close to home + the Noodle in bed fast asleep 5 minutes after we put her down + a yummy glass of Pinot Noir (thanks G and J--it was delicious!) before heading to bed at 10:45 = a perfect New Year's eve!

Christmas visit down South

My maternal side of the family got together over the holiday weekend to celebrate Christmas, so we got to take a little road trip. It is far enough away to make you glad when you arrive, but certainly do-able in a day. We convened at my Uncle's, who has an AMAZING house that sits high above the river. He is an expert at entertaining and loves to do it; this time was no different. In years past, there has been a holiday theme. One year it was bears. There are a few "life size" bears roaming around his house that always seem to come out at just the right time...the Noodle came across a few of them and was set the rest of the night. We are only able to get everyone together about once a year, so it is always a special time. This year, Uncle and Aunt C were able to make it. They haven't seen some of the family since their wedding in '04 and others even before that. I know it was meaningful for everyone.

Christmas Day

While we woke up before the sun, it wasn't too early (at least for us). Thankfully the late night helped the Noodle sleep until 6 a.m. J went down to make sure everything was ready, turn on the tree (important) and start the coffee (VERY important) while we waited upstairs until we got the "green light". Even though she had a harder time this year waiting her turn, all in all, the Noodle was very patient. It was a thrill to see her get so excited, even about the little things. I'd definitely say that one of her favorite gifts was an E*mo stamp that I picked up out of the T*rget Dollar Spot for her stocking.



***I broke our old coffee pot a few months ago and picked up a "cheap and cheerful" one to tide us over. J is a TOTAL coffee nut and had specifically asked Mrs. Clause for an upgrade.


We of course saved her big present for last. J has been helping Santa for the past few weeks to make a kitchen for the Noodle. There has been quite a bit of sketching, cutting, sanding, painting, hammering and screwing going on down in the basement as of late. I believe as many power tools as possible were dragged out to ensure a quality product. I definitely think J, under Santa's guidance, did a FABULOUS job, don't you? The Noodle certainly agrees, because every spare minute has been spent in and around her kitchen.






Later on, we went out to Grandma and Grandpa's for Christmas lunch and repeated the present opening routine. Late afternoon had us making our last stop at Lolly and Papa's for more food and, you guessed it, more presents. By 8:30, the 3 of us were officially exhausted and ready for bed.

Christmas Eve

We had a festive Christmas Eve, starting out with tea at Lolly and Papa's house. Earlier in the week, Uncle and Aunt C had come over to make jiaozi (Chinese dumplings) so we had those, scones with jam, cheese and crackers, shrimp, deviled eggs, marinated Kalamata olives, chicken salad and tuna pate. What tea would be complete without, of course, Earl Gray and champagne to celebrate?! Delicious!!



J putting the finishing touches on the jiaozis.


After our tea, we headed out to get a seat for the 5:00 mass. The church is a huge, beautiful building but we still had to arrive about 45 minutes early in order to get a seat for all of us. It was a true Christmas service, all the way down to the incense and individual candles that were used.

Then it was back to Lolly and Papa's for English trifle, Christmas cookies and more bubbly. The Noodle wasn't so interested in having her picture taken so some major bribery had to happen in the form of Uncle and Auntie's cell phones. Thank goodness for technology.

Helping Papa.





Once we arrived home, we sprinkled the reindeer food outside and then set out the cookies and milk for Santa. After reading The Night Before Christmas and the Christmas Story, it was up to bed for one tired Noodle. As you can imagine, our night was just getting started....

Merry Christmas!!

A very merry, merry Christmas to you and all those you love!


***We'll be taking a break for a few days to visit with family. See you soon!