Around here:// Christmas Edition

Well, December has certainly flown by.

Christmas is just three days away and we

are more excited than ever! I thought I would recap

some of the shenanigans happening around here lately!  

 

You probably won't be surprised when I tell you that Max is

still a fan of donuts. This was an early morning donut date for us

and he (of course) insisted the sprinkle donut.

Max got some elf ears in a Christmas card from Mims

and Gramps and we have been having fun with them ever since!

He said "I want to look in the mirror" and giggled

when he saw himself.

Then, of course Mama had to put them on too. :)

 

The Santa pancake has been on my Pinterest

radar for quite some time...and Papa Rob

managed to whip some up last Thursday.

Max liked the design but then refused to eat

any of the pancake that had been touched by whip cream.

What a silly boy!

It's red cup season! Hooray!

The Skinny Peppermint Mocha is pretty much my go to

 drink right now. But, I do like the Eggnog Latte as well.

Santa Shirt for the win!  I LOVE this shirt!

And I may have bought Max a matching one too :)

Mother son matching...gotta do it while I can!

Another day, another sprinkle donut for Max.

I'm one of those crazies that loves to hear Christmas music even before Thanksgiving.

Christmas music is the BEST!

I have a whole CD binder full of just Christmas music.

From N'Sync to the Rat Pack ...my tastes are varied!

I did make a new "Merry Mix" with some of my

most recent holiday favorites and old stand-by's too.

New favorite: "Mele Kalikimaka" sung by Jadon Lavik

Oldie but goodie: Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus is Comin to Town

 

Making a list and checking it twice - always!

Why does it seem like it gets longer instead of shorter?



 

I was late in the game getting my Paper Whites going...

but the good news is that it didn't really matter.

They are going strong now and I can't wait to

see those little white flowers!

Drinking from reindeer straws...

For a few brief moments last Friday it snowed...

like actual white flurries!

I can't believe I'm actually saying this but

I would love some snow for Christmas.

The weather has just been down right weird lately..

The card wall is filling up!

I LOVE it!

Every time I walk by it or glance over it,

I'm just filled with so much joy :)

I know people poke fun at Christmas cards...

but I will always send them. 

Part of the fun of having a child is making up totally

fun new traditions...like getting in your jammies and driving around

to look at Christmas lights. It's totally a thing. Max got a kick out of seeing

Rob in silly pajamas. Driving around and looking

at the lights was a different story.  He was super whiny

in the car and kept insisting that we go to "Titi's house

because it's his favorite". I think I said "we can go there

tomorrow like twenty times.

We did end up seeing Auntie Stacy because she went

to the Franklin Park Conservatory with us!

We checked out the gingerbread houses, all the

poinsettias, and even iced our own cookies.

We watched Santa Claus (and Mrs. Claus was there too!)

but he showed zero interest in saying hi, so we didn't push it.

Annual ZooKid instructor holiday dinner/reunion.

It was lots of fun to catch up with all of our summer

seasonals....and the unlimited soup and salad didn't hurt either.

I love these lunatics!

 

Again, the weather here is crazy.

It was 58 degrees today...so we slipped on

our cozy jackets and went outside.

I had the gingerbread man (or "ginger man" as Max calls him)

that he created last year and we just took him outside.

Max would count to ten from the deck and I would hide him.

This was great fun!

 

Hope you all are having a happy + merry Christmas week so far!

xoxo

Grandpa Jim is Here!

The holiday season is upon us...and we are happy to be filling our house with 

little bits of Christmas magic...and also a visitor!  Yes, yes, Grandpa Jim is here from Oregon!

He brought with him some unseasonable warm weather for Ohio ...so we've been 

able to really get out and have some fun. He also taken on the

role of babysitter for a few days too :)  So, these pictures are a combination 

of his and mine. It's fun to get a little glimpse of what Max is up to during the day

(including, but not limited to - playing with every single toy, not wearing pants, 

not napping, and asking for "Sago Mini") 

Grandpa Jim babysat on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday....

and I know from experience that it is no easy task to take 

care of a very active toddler - round the clock - but

he has certainly risen to the challenge! He

kept Max occupied and happy - even squeezing in snacks, lunches, 

and selfies! haha!

Once the weekend hit and the thermometer hit

62 - we ventured over to a new park on the Scioto River. 

It had two play structures and ample chances

to toss rocks into the river. Max loves to throw

rocks but then got a little miffed when his pants

got dirty. 

After our adventure on the river, we squeezed in a visit

to Oakland Nursery.  They had a Santa with virtually no line - 

and Max had almost no interest in seeing him.  He tolerated it 

for about 30 seconds and then demanded we go on 

(another) carriage ride. 

On Sunday, Papa Rob and Grandpa Jim went to see

the new James Bond movie and Max and Mama went 

to see Auntie Stacy!

The weather was outstanding (again) and so we got to 

play outside on the playground, walk around her pond in search of frogs, 

and give Penny her new Grinch bandanna! 

We also gave her a new chew toy (it was a big, pink, Pig)

but Penny loved it so much, that she ripped it to shreds in about ten minutes. 

RIP Pig. 

After his nap, we went on a neighborhood walk (in search of our beloved 

blow mold penguin that disappeared from our yard on Saturday evening).

Though we did not find the penguin - we did run across some pretty sweet

inflatables.  I used to be an inflatable hater.  I could not even stand them 

one little bit.  Why would you want to have that in your yard I scoffed? 

Unfortunately, when I saw how much Max loved them, I became

an inflatable believer. Cue me, searching the interwebs high and

low for a mini snow globe.  Did you know they are also super expensive?

The people in my parent's neighborhood who have like ten of them, 

likely have about $1000 wrapped up in those crazy things! 

I'm very clearly getting off topic here - but it's wild!

We capped off Sunday evening with ice cream at UDF. 

I tried the Chocolate Chip Peppermint Stick and it was yummy!

Max tried the mint chocolate chip (he's usually all about the strawberry). 

All parties were happy with their respective choices. 

We also exchanged gifts - but Max flew through those....so alas, no pictures! 

Max loved playing with his new blocks (and knocking them down). 

Not pictured - his love of the cash register too - it

has "his cards", as well as dollars/coins, and whole lot of other bells and whistles. 

Monday (after an enormous tantrum over socks) - we

made it to Zoo lights too!  I kind of forget how

unique and special the whole Wild Lights experience is by about 

mid December.  However, walking around with Grandpa Jim

made me appreciate it all over again!

The lights truly are quite stunning! 

Max loved the train and carousel rides too!

By Tuesday - Grandpa was ready to chill 

and watch some Paw Patrol :) 

haha!  I know that feeling all too well!

The TV quickly becomes my best friend. 

What a treasure for Max to spend so much time

with Grandpa Jim!  While we didn't squeeze in our 

normal trip to Franklin Park Conservatory...we

were able to get out and visit and do so many of our 

beloved places and things. Thanks for being part of our

holiday season Grandpa Jim! Can't wait to see you again!

Xo

December Currently

(photo from this weekend - Oakland Nursery)

Digging: SnapChat (for quick easy check in's with friends), the Blow Out Bar, Zoo Lights, warm weather, and my paper white bulbs. 

Eating: Smart ones breakfast burriots (2 pack), cheese sticks, and bacon gouda breakfast Sandwiches. Also, last night i got to finally try the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Crunch Ice cream from UDF and it did not disappoint. 

Listening: Christmas music - Mariah Carey, John Denver and the Muppets, and the Pentatonix (newer but still good!)

Drinking: Tall skinny peppermint mocha's from Starbucks

Wearing: my white converse with the elastic across the back, all the flannels, and skinny jeans

Reading: Jan karon Come Rain or Come Shine - part of the Mitford Series which my grammy and I used to read. 

Feeling: excited for all the Christmas activities we have planned and time off from work. 

Weather: Can you believe it's December 14th and 60 degrees out?  Crazy.  This warm weather is bringing everyone out to the Zoo. 

Wanting: Everyone to send me Christmas cards!  I love them!  

Needing: to buy three more Christmas gifts (mostly gift cards) and then I will be done...

Wishing: for a new couch (ours is looking pretty saggy and torn up from our terrible cat) and a new mattress.  Gotta save those pennies!

Watching:  my sister recommended the show Brooklyn 99 and then conveniently gave me her Hulu password - so I've been blowing through Seasons 1 and 2.  Andy Samberg makes me crack up. 

Enjoying: my low key approach to Christmas decorations this year.  I didn't put up half of what we had because we don't have a true mantel anymore.  It made me a little bit sad, and then I got over it because it will be less to take down in January!

Loving:  sending silly packages to old co-workers, bottle brush trees, and my cleaner basement.

what about you?!
xoxo

Wild Lights Family Night 2015

Rob and I are lucky to work for an organization that is so, SO great

about providing opportunities for people to celebrate the holidays with their

family.  One such event is called "Wildlights family night".  My parents

have come to this event since I began working at the Zoo (11 years ago today!).

This particular day, it rained (that warm annoying drizzle type rain) all day

and so it scared most people away...but not us! 

A couple of years ago the Zoo had to cut down all the

beautiful Ash trees that surrounded the lake.  This made it 

obviously, quite a bit more difficult to decorate, but our grounds

crew built all these huge trees with lights to replace them - 

and it's STUNNING.  They even built rafts with the trees on 

top of them to float out into the lake. 

Every half hour there is a lights show - where 

all of the lights blink on and off to holiday music. 

This year was the best year yet!

The only way I could convince Max to get remotely near

Santa was with the promise a carousel ride. 

The picture we took with Santa isn't even worth

including in this post because he is basically hiding his head

in my shoulder.  He only poked it out long enough to 

tell Santa he wanted a "puzzle". 

However, the carousel was met with much more

enthusiasm! We rode it twice!

It makes my heart happy to see that Peacock light every year! 

It's my favorite :)  Max loved the train light (which I think might be 

new this year).  I love looking for all the different lighted 

animal silhouettes along the paths. 

I have no idea what is happening in the above picture..

I think I said, "Max say cheese" and happened to snap

the picture at a weird moment? Either way - I assure

you, he was loving the "Polar Express" train ride 

through North America!

Papa Rob had to go to the bathroom, and it was 

at this moment that Max decided he would actually like

to participate in a picture.  He's either all in on the 

pictures or running away from the camera. 

We made a pit stop in the Education building to grab

all my bags before heading out to the car.  Max

decided to give the very fake penguins some love

and hugs. Kind of adorable. 

On our way out we saw a giant inflatable Santa

that Max was more than willing to wave to. 

(I have no idea why the real Santa is so terrifying

and yet all other Santa's - including 13 feet tall ones

filled with air are totally fine). We also saw 

all these giant Christmas ornaments decked out in 

their best Zoo patterns - and Max LOVED them. 

He ran around to each one proclaiming "cheese!". 

All in all - another successful Wildlights family night. 

What a fun tradition!

xoxo

p.s. if you want to read past posts about Wildlights

family night - check here and here. 

A (mostly) kid free Weekend

Listen, I know if you've been reading this blog for

any length of time that we LOVE our little Max. 

But, there is something to be said for some kid free time. 

On the first weekend of December last year, my parents watched

Max overnight for a couple of days and it was totally refreshing....

not to mention how much stuff we can get done both for the holidays

and around the house without a toddler in tow. 

So, we made a plan to repeat the grandparent weekend this year. 

On Friday, I picked Max up early from daycare and he zonked out

for the entire drive to Dayton. 

(Don't worry - I took the picture while stopped at a red light)

My parents had fun dinner plans on Friday night (that didn't involve us)
...so Max and I hung out with Poppy.

We went to dinner at Chick Fil A and then back to his house

for your average Friday night fun. 

In between Chick Fil A and Poppy's house - I forced them to run 

some errands with me.  Nothing like trying to wrangle your 93 year old grandpa

who insists on pushing the cart along with your toddler...

Once at his house...it appeared Poppy needed help with some administrative tasks :)

Max loved the stapler, highlighters, and shredder!

Poppy rewarded his tiny intern with chocolate chip ice cream...

which Max did not hate. 

Can I also mention that each of them got equal parts ice

cream on the floor and themselves?  #toddlerprobs #seniorproblems

On Saturday morning...I went to a patio pot class at the local

plant nursery.  They help you arrange greenery and berries and such into a lovely arrangement. 

I love this tradition and the pop of color it brings to my porch. 

After class - Max and my parents picked me and we drove

to Lebanon for the horse parade!

We all loved the mini horses...but I have to admit

the Clydesdales were pretty impressive too!

Max also got his first glimpse of someone dressed

as a "grinch" and has been obsessed with the Grinch ever since. 

After the parade, I drove back to Columbus and Max stayed in Dayton. 

Rob and I enjoyed a delightful kid free dinner at Marcellas

and shopping at Polaris Mall.  It was glorious to not

have to issue any threats (eat all your food! hold my hand! don't touch that!) 

and stay out later than 7:45. 

(our foot loose and kid free faces!)

(give me all the cabin socks at Field and Stream!)

Upon coming home we wrapped ALL the presents

while watching Shrek the Halls and Christmas Vacation :)

I stayed up waaayyyyy too late because I was all - I can sleep in tomorrow!

Friends, I slept till 10:45 on Sunday morning. 

It was the best gift EVER.  I love my bed and I love to sleep. 

After rolling out and putting myself together - Auntie Stacy and I had

what I have coined "Sister Sunday Fun Day!".

Even though she was reluctant to come to the mall (at first), 

we both agreed it was the BEST day.

Some of the highlights included...

a stop at the Anthropologie store...

another stop at a gardening store

discovering this pop up marshmallow shop

a picture with my beloved bean boot!

buying Penny a new chew toy!

free tiny wine and cheese samples at Trader Joes

*Not pictured - a most delicious lunch at Cosi Cafe, 

purchasing my new favorite jeans from Nordstrom, 

buying one last Christmas present for Rob, 

buying one more Christmas present for a co-worker,

and generally just all of the awesomeness that comes from 

hanging out with your sister :)

She sent me home to "have a romantic dinner with Rob" -

so we headed to Vaqueros for some Mexican food!

(i love chips and salsa, and Rob :)

It was truly a fantastic weekend - and while we certainly 

missed Max and did our fair share of still talking about him, 

getting text updates from my parents etc....it was

nice to just reconnect with the other adults in my life. 

So...mom and dad...mark your calendars for 2016, k?

xoxo

Christmas Countdown

Happy December 1st!  

Just as in years past - we are celebrating the month of December

with a countdown to Christmas. Max is usually pretty into arts and crafts 

(really, any chance to use "mommy's pens AKA the Sharpie and his second and third favorite crafting tools, the glue stick and safety scissors respectively)... so I knew

this would be a hit. 

I usually stress about making the perfect "Pinterest worthy" arts and crafts

(yeah, I'm totally that mom) - but this year, when I saw the Santa beard

countdown calendar I was all over it.  And it was $1.  

(Thank you Target Dollar bins #alwayandforever) 

 

Essentially all we did was glue Santa's face together

(complete with a mustache, like grandpa)!

 

Then, as each day comes, he will get to cut off a 

sliver of the beard!  And Max loves nothing more 

than to use his safety scissors.  He was actually 

mad when I wouldn't let him start hacking at Santa's beard

last night. But I distracted him with another piece of paper...so all was well.
Sidenote: Distraction is my favorite form of tantrum diversion.

Then, Papa Rob and Max hung it up on the wall. 

Max even went so far as to get his stool from the bathroom

so he could help.  

I mean, if this face doesn't say proud - I don't know what does!

If you're wondering if Max always crafts in his underwear....

the answer is YES! haha! No, not really, he just

went to the bathroom and then decided to not put his pants back on. 

He really does love to be naked though.

Just gotta pick your battles, right? 

Also - my tip for this and ALL interactions with toddlers, is just

to keep your expectations low...and then be pleasantly surprised 

when things turn out okay :)

xoxo