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!

Pre-Christmas Fun

The month leading up to Christmas might be the best time of year because: family activities, sugar, not sick of winter yet, sugar, skiing, some more fun activities and more sugar.

I've been horribly neglectful of this beautiful blog (ha!) because we always do so much in December, posting about it felt SUPER overwhelming. So reading about it might feel the same. This is a huge photo dump mostly just to remember what a fun time we have in December. I'll do another smaller Christmas day post and then let's hope I can get back onto the blogging wagon.

Started off the month with Krindlemart. It was insanely busy, mild weather, and something that I would have enjoyed had it been 1/100th of the number of people. But the kids LOVED the petting zoo so I suppose I can call it a win?

Krampus is the guy that visits the bad kids in Germany? James is totally putting on a brave face here, he was nervous!

She dressed herself and wore the hat all day and pretty much killed me with how adorable she is. Having a daughter was and is everything I thought it would be.

Juliet has been really into matching her dolls this month and suddenly has taken an interest in American Girl dolls (yay!). This was before E's family annual St. Nicholas tea.

 Did I mention there was some sugar consumed?

These cousins are SO LUCKY to have a Damma that works at a doll store. Honestly, it is so fun to go visit her.

 Baby cousin William isn't much of a baby anymore.

 Squad goals. Emilia (middle) is cracking me up so much!

My grandma has aged so much since her stroke eight years ago. It's hard to see her this way, it's hard to visit and it's almost impossible for her to leave the facility. But we love her.

The only thing better than a gingerbread house is a pre-assembled gingerbread house. Costco for life.

Temple Square at Christmas time is a freezing cold must.

The kids found Hannuka magical this year and couldn't wait to light the candles each night.

Another fancy vintage dress to go meet Santa.

Per regular Juliet wouldn't even look, talk to or sit with Santa. James said he wants Lego and books.

Luckily I got this adorable photo of them even if Juliet wouldn't see Santa.

Later that night we had a special dinner in the living room. Cheese and crackers, sausage and dip, olives and mini quiches. Everyone loved it.

Pre-Christmas skiing.

One day we heard that the real Mrs. Claus was at the doll shop where Damma worked. The kids were thrilled to find out it was ACTUALLY Damma. Now we joke that they shouldn't tell their friends, because we don't want everyone knowing the kids have such easy access to the big man himself. ;)

Grand America windows are another December must.

Anual ski day for my dad's birthday. For the first time ever E joined us and kept up with our crazy crew surprisingly well! 

All dressed up for Christmas Eve! Look how big my kids are getting.

My sister hosted and everyone was thrilled because we were able to play with her new puppy Koa!

New pjs for Christmas. Santa is coming! Goodnight kiddos!

 Santa came!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at Chelsea's house. Thanksgiving happened to land on her birthday, yet she still wanted to host! Amazing. The kids are at such a fun age. Emilia and Juliet have really hit it off in the last six months, so much so that James oftentimes feels left out. William will be big enough to play in no time.

Four cousins, growing up side by side.

Juliet's AMAZING dress is vintage (purchased by Connie!) and James' sweater is H&M

Florence {1918-2017}

June 17, 1918 - October 7, 2017

Six months short of her 100th birthday my Grandma Florence had a small stroke in her home. She was rushed to the hospital and a few days later passed away. She was surrounded by her children and loved ones, and we were are all so grateful that she passed without pain.

Ninety-nine amazing years, she never lost mental facilities and lived at home until the very end.

Florence's life started on June 17, 1918, when she was born at home for $2.00, as that is all the doctor charged back then.

When Florence was three years old her family moved to Brooklyn, from the Lower East Side, purchasing a home that had two floors and a basement along with a "stall shower." My Grandma said this was so exciting for everyone because only the nicest homes had separate showers. The home consisted of only two bedrooms and one bathroom, but lots of living space including a parlor.

Florence at age two with her two siblings and mother Pauline.

Florence's father always worked as a furrier, growing up my Grandma remembers always having new fur coats. Because she and her sister were only 18 months apart my Grandma said "we looked like twins in our new fur coats."

In the summer all the children would play on the streets. Four corners, kick the can, softball "from sewer to sewer" and tennis were favorites. Morris and Pauline added to their family again with Selma and a few years later with their last daughter Eleanor.

The fur business was hot back then, and my Grandma remembers living quite comfortably, even through the depression. They had a car, a Studebaker touring car which they all would ride in joyfully through Brooklyn.

Florence married and had three children of her own, my dad being the youngest born in 1953. They led a happy and comfortable life. Florence loved her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren fiercely and made sure everyone understood that her home was always open to visitors.

Grandma, you will be missed. I love you and aspire to be as thoughtful, loving and wonderful as you have always been.