Christmas Day!

I want to start this post by saying what a magical Christmas this year was, having an eight-year-old and an almost six-year-old made the magic just splendid. We did so many fun things before the holiday that we were primed and pumped to celebrate.

Juliet got an American Girl doll that looks just like her and promptly named her "Julie" (even though the note on her arm said her name was Clara). James got Lego, lego, lego and laser tag guns.

My mom hosted the kids for an entire day on December 23rd so E and I could ski with my Dad. What made the day so special was that they both picked out surprise presents for us. They were more excited to give these gifts than open their own. E got framed artwork.

 And I got a heart pillow.

The plasma orb was a huge hit as well!

After opening presents at our house we head over to E's parents to open more gifts, see family and each brunch. Look at this cute crew.

Cousins are getting big! William was a baby last year and now in full blown toddler mode. Seriously a lot of fun.

And, as in years past, we hosted an epic Christmas dinner with smoked turkey, scalloped potatoes and the most glorious homemade bread. Because hosting is so fun and so exhasting I snapped a single photo. WHAT? FAIL. Juliet showing my cousin Taylor her brand new camera!

It was a wonderful day and a merry Christmas was had by everyone!

Dolly tea

My Mother-in-law invited her three grandchildren to a special tea this afternoon, but they tea was not only for them, the invite extended to their favorite dolly or stuffed animal.

After a busy morning with friends hiking around Silver Lake which ended in Juliet falling off the boardwalk and into about six inches of water (what is with this child and falling off things into water?) we came home, napped, and changed into fancy outfits for tea.

Juliet wanted to bring Rosie, and James chose Panda.

Both looked darling and mostly acted darling. We met cousin Emilia there and had a nice private dolly tea at a local doll store. It included tiny cupcakes, tiny tea cups, pink lemonade, special mini silverware, and hats for everyone.

Being a Mama kinda rocks. Hikes in the morning, tea with dollies in the afternoon. Every day should be so awesome.

Such a fancy vintage dress with flower headband. Weather was perfection.

Freshly washed hair because falling off boardwalks and landing on your head means muddy hair. Luckily her washed hair smelled like "strawberry shortcake" according to her.

 Itty bitty place settings for everyone.

 Such a beauty.

 Everyone chose a hat and James chose this green fedora. I can not get over how handsome he is.

 Panda got a hat too.

 Soon babies were discarded (Emilia), fits were thrown (Juliet), and kind words were exchanged (James).

The oldest and youngest cousins are the best of friends. James and Emilia adore each other. Juliet wanted to be left alone (two year olds are sometimes impossible).

Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf

Little Red Riding Hood

The Big Bad Wolf (look how scary he is!)

I've been thinking about doing coordinating Halloween costumes for James and Juliet as long as I can remember (even before having kids). When Juliet was still in my tummy my good friend threw me a Little Red Riding Hood baby shower for her, and ever since then I've had a special affinity to Little Red.

Now, as my mother-in-law and I agree, Little Red Riding Hood is not the perfect story. Once upon a time wolves were portrayed as bad, evil and mean. Really they are like any other wild animal at the top of the food chain. They hunt. But they also have amazing family dynamics, are smart and pretty amazing animals.

Why am I saying all  that about wolves? Because wolves aren't bad at all. They are sweet and tender and stinkin' cute.

And they howl at night! Oooohhhh!

In our story Little Red delivers bread and cookies and treats to the friendly wolf living in the woods. He does not eat her, and no lumberjack is required to cut her free.

And the woods aren't a scary place at all. They are magical.

That wolfy nose can smell those cookies a mile away!

Really, Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf are best friends. That's how the story ends. Oh, and they gorge themselves on cookies. Because Halloween is all about too much sugar, right?

More Halloween goodness to come!

The Childhood Magic Project {backyard fort}

As my children get older I have a goal, something I've dreamed of for a long time. It's about creating magic for my children. I want them to imagine. I want them to create. And I want them to grow into adults with the fondest memories of their childhood. (Like my mom did for me, I seriously had a storybook childhood).

Yesterday was my first day, I started my Childhood Magic Project with a simple backyard fort. We hung up a sheet and laid a blanket underneath. We filled the fort with books and ice water and sunshine. Nothing more was needed. The magic created itself.

 Happy little baby legs was cooing and smiling the entire time.

James loves to hug Juliet, and he ever so carefully puts his hands under her leg and her arm and then gently leans his head down to nestle it next to hers.

 Had to bring his current favorite books out.

 Pretty soon all the cooing and smiling wore this little one out.