Resolutions

So my resolution for this year is to write. I love writing random thoughts, diaries and journals were kinda my thing. So my goal is to take a little more time each week to try to channel that in a direction. So what direction? I want to do a better job of writing down the funny/cute things the girls say right now. So this blog will become increasingly annoying/mom-like as a random reader will get to stumble on the things I find cute. I don't particular love potty humor so I'll stay away from that. But like this AM.

Carson is obsessed with all things Rainbow. And her name. Every single stuffed animal in our house is Rainbow Carson. By the end of the season our Elf On the Shelf Leecy had been renamed Rainbow Carson Michelle Hicks Leecy. As I write this, both Carson & Caroline are wearing Princess DressUps (as they call them) when the playroom door closed, watching PopStar Barbie, playing Hungry Caterpillar boardgame with Kayla trapped. She is hearby renamed their kitty.

On this extremely dreary Tuesday January morning I have been told there is a small update to the girls names. Caroline wakes up wanting to be referred to Antonia, I think that's a creepy name myself. Carson is Minnie Mouse. Both girls are currently enjoying breakfast with each having a puppy dog and bitty baby occupying a chair. There is no room for mommy within those 6 chairs.

The Official Christmas City of Texas--Grapevine, um ok!

I was unaware that Grapevine had given them a self-title of the official Christmas town, but I won't honestly disagree. I don't make it over there too terribly often but they have ALL KINDS of Christmas events and the traffic would indeed tell you the same, I'm all for it---great to know we have so many options. We will skip the Gaylord for as long as I can put it off, over-themed crowds drive me absolutely insane, but I was up for checking out the Polar Express Train ride this year!

2012 Official Christmas PJ's.

So I am sure that the Polar Express might have made a lot more sense if we had actually seen the movie, but the girls didn't seem to mind. I think Jason & I were more impressed that they each downed literately an entire footlong corndog. I thought I was 'sharing'. I was not.

All aboard!!

We met Darla, Kervin, and Alex there...So of course, Caroline was ALL about DK. She had to sit next to her.

Typical Carson explaining the whole train concept to daddy.

The girls! We love Aunt DK!

I've got a great idea for Santa! Lets load up a train FULL of kids and give them each a bell that rings!! Was a simple candy cane just too much? Or paper ornament to commemorate the experience? 

With cousin Alex

Carson though the singing carolers were just absolutely beautiful. She kept explaining that they weren't ballerinas but beautiful girls.

This will absolutely become an annual event for us, the official City of Christmas Grapevine did a smooth job of keeping it moving and not overcrowding. Really fun event, except for the drive home with the ringing bells. Thanks Santa.

Christmas To-Do's

I love the spirit of Christmas. And I love seeing the holidays through the eyes of the girls this year. We are very much into Elf on the Shelf, her name is Leecy, baby Jesus, and pretty much the concept of presents a no-brainer to learn. I feel like I am making the round this year in terms of hitting the big Christmas hooplas..

So let the picture sharing of the season begin!

One of our favorite traditions is the Santa's Village set up in Richardson! Love this one with our good friends the Morris & Krchnak family!

I was also one of the Room Mom's to Volunteer for Carson's PreK3 Christmas party. I love being in a group of crafty moms. I have a loud mouth and can read a story and help keep kids in line, but no one will ever accuse of being a Pinterest queen. Fun but crazy 2 hours, God Bless the preschool teathers...

 I will never turn it down when she wants to pose giving me a BIIIIIGGG hug...

I love my pinterest friends!!

No party is complete without a proper craft!

Santa Run! A subset of the Stilettos LOVE to get together to participate in runs, keeps us from getting together for so many wine nights maybe? So we decided to sign up for this SUPER great run at the Shops of Legacy...Seriously, how great of an idea is this??

You cannot help but be in a fabulous mood when surrounded by 2000 Santas.

Me, Lacy & Kim

Kind of bizarre to see yourself as looking part-dudish. 

How many times do kids need to visit Santa? I think 5 times was our magic number this year. Carson event commented that his beard had grown quite a bit and that his glasses sure were different this time. I explained that they were like jammies, he could change it up on a nearly daily basis.

By this visit she had grown increasingly comfortable with Santa. Like they were old friends, even asking him if he remembered what she wanted him to bring.

And about 10 minutes later...Still chatting....

Caroline came a long way this year, but visit number 5 she was 'nearly' ready to give a smile. At least she sat there without moving?

All I want for Christmas is a LuluLemon gift certificate and some SLEEP!!

Favorite Things

One of my favorite things in the world is girl time. And right now, true girl time--not just physically being around my friends, but that laid back, no rush kind of girl time where you aren't rushing to bath kids, Christmas shop, or clean the kitchen is just so hard to come by. I really really miss the more casual get together with my dear friends that have been with me for over a decade now. We are spread all over the metroplex these days and it's very very hard to make the time in this phase of life.

Sweet friends...and soon to be neighborhood buddies--Kaitlyn & Carson

My granmere taught me how to set a dressy table, I have to say there is nothing more charming around the holidays than feeling 'fancy'.

This was a 'Favorite Things' party where we all brought a favorite thing to share. Got some GREAT new stuff to try and the education of coconut oil was for sure a high point of the evening.

I love these ladies!!

Highland Park sites...

Not a whole lot to say about these pictures, just love the way our kiddos and the Knights play. We have been trying for 3 years to make the carriage rides through Highland Park happen and weather/sick kids/etc. always seem to make us cancel. Well this year! Quite worth the wait! We had a great time and this will stay an annual event!

Aren't you glad to see that Jason & Ross are staying toasty warm with their blanket?

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was especially good for me. I think the combination of not having a true 'baby' plus not having to cook at ALL and it was also Jason's actual birthday just made for one of those perfect storms for a perfect holiday?

Have I mentioned I have the perfect June Cleaver Mother in Law??? That helps...

Loved this pic and the fact that the girls are on their ipads too engaged in the game to be bothered to look up. 

Election Day.

How was YOUR election day? I sit here typing this from the gorgeous beaches of  St.Regis Resort in Dana Point at Monarch Beach (think Laguna Beach...), trying to absorb the fact that there will indeed be 4 more years.

Somehow, I don't think anyone reading this pities me....Thank you husband for letting me tag along on this trip...