Christmas 2k12.

On Christmas Eve Ivy got the quickest and what seemed to be the most painful ear infection of her life, which landed her in urgent care just an hour before we were supposed to be eating dinner at Geoffs parents house. We'll consider how quickly her medicine and pain relievers kicked in as our own little Christmas miracle, because she was almost immediately back to her happy, excited, Christmas Eve self. Once she was ready to party again, we headed to the Langs for dinner and a little cousin dance party in their new Christmas Eve pajamas. On our way out the door we were able to catch Santa Claus riding around on a caroling trailer outside, I loved seeing Ivy so star struck as she received a candy cane from him. She's finally grasping the concept of Santa! (Although her interpretation of what reindeers look like might be a little skewed now that she's seen him being pulled by a blue Chevy.) 

Once we got home and got the girls in bed, Geoff and I opened all of our gifts to each other and wrapped and assembled the girls presents, it was so much fun and I imagine it will only get more exciting each year. Kids add magic to everything! (Well ok, maybe not to road trips. Or restaurants...;)

Christmas morning was awesome. Our girls were so excited about their little gifts and Justin Bieber wrapping paper. Once we were finished doing our thing, we made the rounds to each of our parents houses where we were reminded how lucky we are to have such great family so close by. Thank you family for spoiling us rotten and for providing traditions to us that we look forward to all year, we love you! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

just like the ones i used to know

Christmas Eve is officially here folks, its crunch time! Last night we had my parents annual "Christmas Eve Eve" party which means the best meal of the year and a white elephant gift exchange. I'm sad that all the Holiday parties are coming to an end, I've had so much fun constantly being around friends and family, especially those from out of town. Tonight after Christmas Eve dinner with Geoffs family, we'll put the girls to bed and Geoff and I will continue our own little tradition together-- wrapping presents while watching Elf and Home Alone (each of our favorite Christmas movies). We always stay up late and end up opening all of our gifts to each other because we're adults and we do what we want! ;) Also, that's what my Mom did all growing up so it kind of feels like we're keeping tradition alive. (But it's mostly because we get too anxious.) Hope your Christmas Eve is magical, merry, and bright. Merry Christmas!

birthday run-through

When a loved one has a Birthday, its kind of way better than your own Birthday. For one, there is zero expectation. For two, it's a good excuse to play and eat junk all day with said loved one. And for three, it's way more fun giving little gifts and surprises throughout the day than it is receiving them. Anyway, yesterday morning we woke up and headed straight to breakfast at Joes. We would have opened gifts right off the bat, but if anyone knows Geoff, you know that he opened a good majority of his gifts the night before. (Okay, he opened all of them.)

Next we headed to the park to play for a bit and feed the ducks. After we burned all that duck-feeding energy, we decided it was lunch time. Birthdays around here most definitely revolve entirely around food. (Now that I mention it, so does every other holiday. And vacations, too.) After our free birthday lunch at Liberty Market and nap time, we dropped the girls off at Geoffs sisters house (thanks Kelli!) and had the most productive and competitive 3 hour date of our lives. We started at the batting cages (Geoff won), followed that with some shopping (I won), moved onto some arcade skee ball (I won), bowled a round (Geoff won but just barely), grabbed a quick dinner, and then ended the night how every night should end-- with dessert! (we both won.)

I'm sure glad you were born Geoff.

H24thBD to this guy.

...To the funnest dad, sweetest husband, and nicest guy around. Getting to celebrate with him each year is like the grown up version of sitting in the chair next to the birthday kid at their party (remember how coveted that spot was?) Anyway, i'm one lucky duck, I love this guy.

Dance recitals can be scary, I get it.

Ivy was super pumped all week long for her end-of-the-year dance recital. She got to wear lipstick and blush and even a fancy red leotard that her teacher provided. Both Grandmas and Papas had promised to come watch her dance, her favorite Aunt Shan and Uncle Brad reserved seats in the audience, and rumor had it that Mr. Santa Claus himself would even make an appearance! Well, morning of her recital things were smooth-sailing up until we arrived at the studio. I think nerves got the best of her and she immediately dropped to the ground the second her music started playing. She sobbed face down the entire time, and not knowing proper 'Dance Mom' etiquette, I nervously laughed in the audience while Geoff snapped these sad (but super hilarious) pictures. I thought about intervening and saving her at one point, but then a certain 30 Rock scene popped into my head and I felt like I wouldn't have been able to help but entering and exiting the stage exactly like so. When I decided it was best for everyone that I remain seated, I was like, "It's all you girlfriend, you got this!" even though she totally didn't. After the recital and her nervous meltdown was over, she got a present and candy cane from Santa and things were cool again. I'm now trying to find an extra curricular for her that requires only receiving gifts and eating candy, cause she loved that part the most. ;) Ivy girl, I'm still super proud of you for your killer performance, you couldn't pay me to stand on a stage in front of all those people (so I so clearly proved when you needed rescuing!). Now that I've said that, I think I'm allowed to post this kind of humiliating picture of you (ahem, that I've highlighted per your convenience). You'll get 'em next time, kid!

Thank you to family who came and showed your support, it meant a lot. I know you guys keep saying that you loved the memorable performance she gave on Monday morning, but yesterday in dance class her teacher let her have a "do-over" to prove to you guys that she really does (kind of) enjoy it sometimes, so stay tuned for "Ivy Take 2"! ;)

here, let miPhone tell you the happs...

1. ivy had her first ring pop experience // 2. lo girl discovered her new favorite hiding spot // 3. we're kinda getting the hang of dressing warm // 4. ivy continues to be a bit mischievous sometimes // 5. we had an after dance swing date // 6. then an after dinner park date // 7. ivy suggests i wear these shoes everyday, then puts them on herself when i disagree // 8. lo continues to be a sweetie pie // 9. the girls discovered how much fun "baby land" is // 10. quick mid-week dinner and shopping dates in preparation for Christmas. ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! Here we go people.

a sweet nativity story

My girlfriend Morgan just sent me this video and I couldn't help but re-share. Watching these cute kids with accents summarize and reenact their version of the Christmas story was so sweet. Happy weekend and happy holidays!

busiest month of the year, in photos:

Holy smokes this crazy month is just whizzing by, I'm glad I have these trusty snapshots to remember it with! I can't believe the Holidays are almost here and gone. As a kid I used to get so depressed when Christmas was over with, but now as "an adult" it's kind of refreshing- finally being able to slow down, relax, and look forward to a fresh new year. (Does that make me a scrooge? Oh well.) I'm most excited about spending time with family and friends that will be trickling into town next week and as always, enjoying all of our favorite Christmas traditions together. Happy Holidays!

five months old

Lola is still proving to be a complete angel baby. She loves kisses and tickles and squealing and almost always has a handful of mine or Ivys hair in her tight grip. Now that she's a big bad 5 month old she is now scooting, steam rolling, and eating oatmeal like no ones business. We cannot get enough of this happy little girl, she lights up a room!