Christmas Crafts

This Christmas season, I have enjoyed being crafty with Ethan. I don't normally get too crafty, but sometimes the mood hits- and good things come as a result. Last year, Ethan and I did our first Christmas craft together, and they turned out so cute. We gave one to each set of grandparents, and of course kept one for ourselves. The grandparents loved them so much, we decided to continue the tradition this year.

 

Here is last years hand print craft-

 

And this years foot print craft-

 

 

In addition, this year my mother in law did a craft with Ethan as a gift for Evan and me-

 

 

 

 

In preschool Ethan and his teachers worked on some very special treats for the parents- I mean, seriously, how adorable is this?!?! I felt like this piece completed my Christmas tree this year.

 



 

Lastly, last night we went to our annual Christmas Cookie Decorating Party. We have friends that host this get together every year, and has been going on since before I married Evan. Everyone brings a pot of soup to share, and then after dinner the kids (and adults too!) decorate Christmas cookies. We were excited this year that Ethan was old enough to enjoy the tradition...and I would say by the looks of the pictures...he enjoyed it!!!

 

Cookie decorating is WAY more fun when you eat everything.

 

His cousins Lucas and Shane are pros.

 

Look at all that cookie decorating stuff! Icing of every color, and every type of candy you could imagine. Who wouldn't enjoy that?! Evan and I did. :)

 

 



I cannot believe that Christmas is just a few short days away. I sincerely hope that every one of you enjoys the week! Merry Christmas!

Angus Barn

This past Sunday we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Angus Barn with my parents, sister, and her boyfriend. This has been our second year in a row going to the Angus Barn around Christmas time.

Going to "the barn" in of itself is a treat, but going at Christmas time is even better. They really go all out. From the amazing decorations, to the carolers, and the home made ginger bread cookies when you leave...its a great overall experience.

Evan and I LOVE "the barn". Of course, with it being as expensive as it is, we usually only make it 1-2 a year. So this was a great treat.

 

I requested a table in the main dining area. I was so excited that my wish was granted...we had never sat in one of the stalls before.

 

 

 

I ordered the North Atlantic Salmon, which I had never ordered before- accompanied by a fully loaded sweet potato. It was fantastic. The salmon had a butter garlic dill sauce- which was outstanding. Evan, of course, had a steak with a twice baked potato. The man is a sucker for a good steak. Since I cannot eat red meat, it is never an option for me.  The meals are always served with a large salad- which in my opinion is one of the best salads I've ever eaten. The dressings are always home made. THAT is what makes a good salad- oh and the home made croutons too! :)

 

At the end of our meal, the gang surprised me with a cake for my birthday...which was a nice added treat.  "The barn" knows how to make a good pound cake.

 

You know what makes all of this even better? We get to go again next weekend with Evan's family! :)  

A Visit With Santa

Every year since having Ethan, we have been included in a private sitting with Santa. This Santa takes time out of his "busy" schedule to come to a friends house and spend one on one time with the kids. Each family gets a 30 minute session of private time with Santa. There are a handful of families that are included, so it is nice that it remains an intimate event. We look forward to this every year. Our nephews have been doing this tradition long before us, so Ethan was excited to join them in the fun.

 I keep waiting for the "fear" to set in. But with each passing year that we see Santa, Ethan seems to be more and more comfortable around him. This year he was very excited about seeing Santa, and walked right up to him with no problems. He was talking to him like he'd just seen him yesterday. He got right up in his lap, and said "Santa I like your truck". (Santa drives a big red pick up truck with "SANTA" on the back of it) He proceeded to ask him for a soccer ball, and trucks for Christmas.

 

 

 

Does it get any cuter?!

 

 

Cousin time!

 

 

 

We are truly enjoying Ethan at this age- what fun it has been to see Christmas in his eyes. I cannot wait until Christmas morning this year. I know that with every passing year, it will only get better.

 

I hope that your family has been enjoying Holiday traditions!

 



 

Turkey Day

I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone, and it is now December 1st. My goodness, I can't even keep up.

Our Thanksgiving was wonderful. Great food, great company...great food! We spent the day with my parents this year since we alternate years between families. Ethan was very excited about Thanksgiving. He kept asking "mommy when are we going to eat the big Thanksgiving dinner?"

I went over to my parents early to spend some time with them and my sister. Evan and Ethan joined later after Ethan's nap.

This years menu included:

Turkey (of course)
Ham (my favorite)
Mashed potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Green bean casserole
Spicy corn casserole
Steamed broccoli with hollandaise sauce
Deviled eggs
Rolls
Pineapple casserole
Sweet potato pie
Key lime pie
Apple pie

We had enough left overs for Evan and I to eat for 3 straight days, lunch and dinner. It was such a nice treat not having to cook. I'll be honest, that is something I do not look forward to each day.

 

Papa is busy playing with the boys!

 

The boys loved the kids table. Much to my surprise Ethan actually ate some turkey, green bean casserole and corn casserole. And of course a roll...that's a given!

 

 

Thanksgiving came and went...just like that. So, you know what that means? Christmas is in full swing. The 3 following days after Thanksgiving were spent from sun up to sun down decorating, cleaning, and getting organized and ready for Christmas. It is a lot of work, but Ethan is so excited this year. Talking up a storm about Santa, and what Santa is going to bring him for Christmas. He was even really into helping us decorate. So, I guess that makes it all worth it! :)

 

I hope everyone has a great week! Happy December!