Party People

This time of year we turn into whirling versions of ourselves rushing haphazardly from one event to the next hoping we remember to bring what we told the host we would bring. Last weekend was a blur of parties for us but as I look back on the weekend I do recall the smiling faces of my kiddos and it's all worth it.

Friday night was spent with McKenzie in a cooking frenzy that was beyond her wildest imagination and nearly tested the limits of how many dirty dishes our sink could hold. We made homemade pizza for dinner, followed by making and decorating sugar cookies.   In between baking the cookies we made two pans of Jello jigglers. McKenzie just kept say 'we made three things!'


Notice the Elf looking on as she decorates the cookies. We must make sure she does a good job for Santa. The elf moves around everyday to a new spot to watch from and happened to be right there for cookie making.


On Saturday we headed down south to Gig Harbor for our annual holiday party with my Mom's side of the family. We had a lot of fun, great food and a good gift exchange. Uncle Charlie added a new element this year and took people for a ride on his boat around the harbor. The kids loved the boat ride, a quick spin was just enough of an experience for them.

Cousin Nathan, Ben and cousin Kayla on the boat. Everything in the boat was 'Not for Ben', poor guy couldn't play with anything at all.


Despite the fact that his life jacket was clearly trying to end his life by popping his head off, Ben insisted on wearing the life jacket for an additional 20 minutes when we got back to the party. Gotta love letting little people have their way.


Ben, a perfect Christmas present for anyone who likes jog throughout the day. He was a man on the move at the parties this weekend, taking it up to a whole new energy level we haven't seen before.


Sunday before our Santa visit we went to Aunt Renee and Uncle Nick's house for another Christmas party complete with our traditional Christmas Crackers with prizes, jokes, and hats. Christmas crackers are one of my favorite childhood memories that resulted in one of my favorite things from our wedding. We had a great time and McKenzie woke up the next morning asking if we could please have another party at Aunt Renee and Uncle Nick's soon. Our kids are so lucky to have such a large group of loving family to grow up with.


Some of my favorite ladies all looking so beautiful in a picture together, Grandma C, Aunt Kacey and McKenzie.

Ben getting a snuggle from his Daddy, or maybe Daddy was just trying to keep him still for a moment. Either way pretty cute.


Almost all wrapped up for our set of whirlwind events for this weekend. Looking forward to more good old fashioned family Christmas fun!