Almost as good as snow

 

I'd say it's much more fun to be outside in jackets, but Sophia is still holding out for a really good snowstorm. We certainly did enjoy our visit to the park today. For the first time in a couple of months, Sophia wasn't alone on the swings and made some new friends.

Looks like this balmy weather may bring in the new year. Last year on New Year's Day, we were at the zoo and had to leave because of a tornado warning. And the year continued with the trend of weird weather. I really hope that the coming year is more predictable. On the other hand, I won't complain about lovely days like this for sure!

looking both ways

One of the reasons that I love the holidays is that I love thinking back and looking forward. I don't really have to remind myself to stop and reflect. More often, I find myself saying, "Self, enough reflecting and planning. Now just do it."

The turn of the year offers a great chance for that. And this one is extra special because it's the year that Erick and I will celebrate our 10-year anniversary. That's right. A whole year to reflect on our first ten years of marriage. I'm giddy with excitement. So, it may come up a lot this year. Or it may not. We'll see.

Regardless, I'll be thinking about it. And talking a lot to Erick about it. He loves that. He actually does, but I think his ears may get tired sometimes. Anyway, reflection is my favorite. Birthdays, anniversaries and the holidays are therefore also my fav.

Happy Holidays

Feeling Christmasy. Hope you are feeling the love of the season too.

Snug

I'm sitting here between the cat and Sophia, listening to the hiss of our radiator. I so enjoy Christmas break. I'd take a picture to share, but we're only lit by Christmas lights.

Christmas is fantastic. I'm excited. Erick's excited. Sophia is beside herself, practically counting down the hours. She has asked Santa for a sewing machine, and she's asked us for a Nintendo DS (a handheld video game). Lucky for her, she's been a very good girl this year.

Tomorrow, we head to Columbia to celebrate with Erick's mom. Then home for our family Christmas on Christmas Day. Monday, we head out to Grandpa and Grandma's farm to have Christmas with the whole family on Mom's side. Should be a good time.

Let the festivities begin! Well, as soon as I'm done sitting right here...

Silver Dollar City in the Rain

A couple of weekends ago, we got down to Springfield to see my parents. While we were there, we went to Silver Dollar City to see the Christmas lights.

I have so many great memories there at Christmas. I had never been during the season until we moved to Missouri in the 90's. Then it was always fun to go with my parents and just enjoy the hustle and bustle and Christmas spirit. Once Erick and I started dating, the Christmas festival at Silver Dollar City became very special to both of us. We didn't have any money in college, but since our parents still bought us season passes to SDC, we could go there for free of an evening! How romantic to wander around looking at the Christmas lights, watching the little familes that we envisioned would soon be us, taking many self portraits and just being together. Anyway, we love it there.

This time around on our visit, it was rainy. Very rainy. But not cold and not crowded. So I really didn't mind all that much. Everyone had fun.

 

Sophia talked to Santa. Asked for what she wanted and more (just to be safe). She's a wily kid.

 

And last, we saw the tree. I love that tree, too. Every year it just gets more spectacular. I especially love seeing it reflected in my baby's eyes.

 

Sophia's Story

I'd explain this if I could, but I'm not sure it would help...

Lafayette Square Holiday Tour

 

Before Sophia was born, Erick and I stayed at a guest house in Lafayette Square, here in St. Louis, and ever since then we have really liked the area. Beautiful historic homes, a great park in the square (obviously) and lots of quaint shops and eateries.

So we were excited to learn that they open a selection of their homes at Christmas to the public.

Each home is decorated for Christmas. Some more than others. And each home was very unique in its style.

 

It wouldn't be a holiday celebration without carolers, right?

 

Even the homes that weren't part of the tour went above and beyond to put on the festive best.

 

I highly recommend the tour. It was great fun. Big houses, condos, churches and shops. All decked out and packed with people ready to feel Christmasy.

Also, if you're in St. Louis and craving a good cut of hot chocolate, you must go to Rue Lafayette. The best hot chocolate I've had in recent memory. Served at just the right temperature. It warms you up without burning your tongue. Perfection.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

After Thanksgiving, we set up our Christmas tree and decorations as we always do. I forgot how much I love this apartment when its halls are decked. Lovely.

We've been working on Christmas cards, too. Sophia loved stamping and address-stamping all the envelopes, so hopefully everything gets where it's going... Her help might have caused a little trouble too.

 

We really love Christmas in this house.

 

All of us. Note the largeness of our "kitten."