Holiday in Indiana

We are just getting settled back in after a wonderful trip to Indiana. We spent a week at my Mom's and it was the first time we have spent the holidays as a family in Indiana. 

It was so special to watch my own enjoy so many of the wonderful holiday traditions and memories I did as a child. It warmed me right up. It even snowed while we were there (!!), but that is for another post.

We spent Christmas Eve at my grandma's house (Nan) and took photos in front of the mantle like I have a million times before. We enjoyed a candlelight dinner that ended too soon because the kids were anxiously awaiting the moment they could open their gifts, just as I once did.

Christmas Eve morning at my Mom's was as its always been-wake up, open gifts followed by a delicious brunch. The kids were spoiled to the max with the generosity of my family and Santa.

I am so glad our kids (and George) got to experience Christmas in Indiana with plenty of family, friends and food, but best of all, love. Thanks everyone who made our visit so special.

N'awlins

Family is gone. The holiday that I wish would never end is over. Actually, we still have Pop and my sister here so we don't really have to get back to reality until the end of the week. 

Before everyone left we made a trip to New Orleans to check things out. There is just so much to see and eat there, I feel like we have hardly scratched the surface. 

This was our third day trip to New Orleans. Two of our trips we have been rained on, and one of the trips I found my self on Bourbon Street, at night, with my stroller. Not a good look. There aren't enough ear muffs in the world to protect my children's ears from the craziness that dwells there. 

So although some of us did get rained on this go around, we only made a quick appearance on Bourbon Street, in the afternoon, so only minimal debauchery was witnessed. So overall I would call it a successful trip. 

We are finally getting to know our way around the French Quarter so we can be better tour guides when guests visit. 

Nyah now knows New Orleans is a place she likes and asked if she could take her Aunt Nikki there tomorrow. And yes, she is still rocking the costumes. 

Though I may grumble about living in Louisiana from time to time, it is wonderful to watch my children explore and new place and culture, take it in and enjoy it. Because New Orleans has a lot of it all.

I on the other hand just want to see Brad Pitt's house, but don't tell anyone. 

So though the bulk of the family was gone, I truly cherished every moment with them, every indulgent meal, drink, each day I blew off the gym. And thats what its all about.

It's the Most Wonderful Time...

Well, the first Christmas in the new house is turning out to be like something I've always imagined. My family is in town and love is all around. 

Santa happened to pay us a visit this morning so the kids are on abundance overdrive and loving every minute. 

So a game of scrabble as been played, dinner is going low and slow in the oven, chestnuts are roasting on our new gas fireplace, Jude is doing what he does best, melting hearts at every change, George is in NBA heaven, Nyah is on about her twelfth outfit change, and Elsa just got her hands on her first candy cane. It really doesn't get much better than this. 

Sending you and yours the warmest and most heartfelt Happy Holidays, from our family to yours.

Back in Action

....and we're back. Finally. I am so excited to have the computer back home and be in touch again. I would like to claim that I have a ton of photos to catch you all up on taken during the lapse in blogging, but I don't. My little break from technology was a total break I guess.


Slacker? Most definitely. 


Life is good though and we are really enjoying getting ready for the holidays. 

Elsa loves the Christmas tree, which has become her new hangout. She gazes at it, rearranges the ornaments, and or brings them to me with the tops pulled off and says, "Heego Mommy".  

George doing the honors since both girls were in full meltdown mode by angel time. And yes, it's going to be a Bud Light Christmas.

Jude is still not sleeping. Ever. And since no sleep makes me a horrible person, we finally resorted to force feeding him rice cereal. 


Nyah has become chief Jude feeder. She reminds us all of feeding time (which I appreciate because I often forget) (not because I don't feed my baby but more because I am used to just nursing him). She pours the rice, tells me what I am doing wrong, gets the spoon, and makes every attempt to independently feed Jude but usually settles reluctantly on holding the spoon with me or being in charge of wiping what he spits out. 


She is in her glory. Who would have known feeding her brother would bring her so much joy but it is her new hobby and its wonderful to see.

We got an awesome surprise guest over the weekend. My Dad (better known as Pop around these parts) arrive Sunday fresh from the West coast at the end of some awesome road trip. Yes, I am envious. 

The girls have maintained a constant high pitch scream since he arrived and are doing their best to entice him to chase/tickle/flip them at all times. 


I always enjoy having my Dad around. He is the best at doing the little things that make my life so much easier, like hanging clothes lines, sharpening my dull knives, fixing Jude's swing, hanging stuff, and he hasn't even gotten to the list we have for him yet. 


I have enjoyed having someone to hang out with during the day. We have been working the GPS and exploring Baton Rouge, getting out and doing things I am usually too scared to do because I am afraid of my own two year old(s tantrums). It is absolutely amazing what is out there, restaurants, book stores, Whole Foods, I am in awe. 


I know it is going to take some time to get back into my blogging routine, but for now, it is so good to be back. 


Hope everyone is well.