Christmas Joy

Merry Christmas (+1 day) from our family to yours! It was a crazy day, but would I really have it any other way? We spent most of the week down in Charleston since Brian was still working. However, when we found out he had gotten Christmas day and the whole weekend after off we made plans to come back that day! It truly was a Christmas miracle.

My family celebrated Christmas on the 24th. We did it up right with a Christmas breakfast complete with reindeer pancakes and bacon.  Why can't every meal be in the shape of something festive? Brady was able to open all 231449385 of his presents. His big gift was the Radio Flyer trike. Between that and his latest haircut I officially have a big boy on my hands. 

We woke up pretty early on Christmas morning and raced home to arrive in time for gifts and breakfast with Brian. I didn't take a ton of pictures the morning. I was so wiped from the week. Instead I grabbed a cup of coffee and a piece of Christmas cake and simply watched Brady (and Brian) enjoy their new toys. 

After cleaning up and doing some baking we headed over to Brian's parents for a quiet dinner. There is something to be said for silent nights. I love when the whole family is together, but I find I enjoy the peace just as much. But not for too long. That night we hosted a dessert and white elephant party with some of our very best friends. The kids played hard and boy did everyone sleep well that night! 

I will be spending the rest of the weekend goal setting for our family and my music business. We have already decided on our word of focus for the year 2016. Quiet time and reflection is just what this mama needs as we head into what can only be expected as another busy year! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Holiday Pregaming

We are kicking off our holidays with a little 75 degree weather in the tropical state of South Carolina. So much for cute Christmas sweaters and fleece tights. Despite the sweat we kicked off our holiday with a little fancy smancy Christmas party at my Aunt's house. (Can you say "DREAM KITCHEN!") The food was amazing as always and everyone was dressed to impress. And of course the cousins had coordinating outfits! 

Brian had to work again this holiday so little man was my dapper date for the evening. Don't be fooled though after a few pictures he made his way into sweats and a t-shirt. Even this high maintenance mama knows her boundaries. We played a few present games and I landed a beautiful globe that is perfect for my office. However, the best gift was my uncle being home from Egypt. My aunt and I both know what it's like to have our guys working so hard. So I was ecstatic to know that he was home with her for the holidays. 

The last few pictures were naturally taken after the last of the wine had been finished off. I was in love with Kelly's graphic Christmas sweater. What a night! Tomorrow Brady and I are headed home to celebrate with Brian. We can't wait to watch Nugs open his presents and celebrate with our little family of three. 

Family Photos

We got our holiday photos done about a month ago and I have been dying to share them on here!  Christmas cards are so fun, but unfortunately our photographer gets SO MANY great pictures I always feel sad only choosing 1 or 2 to send out.

I am quickly realizing that coordinating just Brian and myself for pictures was once a luxury we won't be getting back anytime soon. Photography is seriously an art and I in no way have any patience to be dealing with all that. I was a little nervous that we weren't going to get very many good ones since Brady was more concerned with eating rocks. But as always Kristin Dustman proved me wrong!

My sister was able to come down for the weekend with her family. We used these pictures as an early birthday present for my mom. It was so special to have some beautiful pictures with my precious sister.

Sharing all of these fun photos makes the holidays seem that much closer! Can't wait to dive into some hot chocolate and big bows!

Some Tree Farm Fun

This time last year I remember thinking that Brady was going to be so big and running all over the place. Though he has grown so much this past year we are just taking a few steps here and there. He is still sitting firm at 20 lbs. And I couldn't be happier. It has given me just a few more months with my baby.

                     

Brian and I both had Friday off. The weather was a little chilly, but we knew that the tree farm was going to be pretty easy to navigate since it was a workday. We went to Penland Tree Farm. They have a wide selection of trees at great prices.

We are spending this beautiful Sunday baking cookies for the neighbors and brewing an awesome taco soup recipe. The cold weather that has swept through has really made the Christmas season feel present!