The New Year Brings New Toys

This is multitasking to an almost 4 year old...

Nick Jr. Games on the laptop

and

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the TV

Everybody needs a little indulgence on the weekends.

I secretly want those little feet and toes to stay that way FOREVER! 

All I Wanted for Christmas Was a Hot-Wheels-Bike...

There is something very special about your FIRST bike.

Could it be the complete and utter desire for solo INDEPENDENCE.

Could it be the feeling of going FAST.

Could it actually be the feeling of FEAR that you could fall at any moment.

Could it be the feeling of the WIND in your hair...

oh wait a moment, 

nevermind kids wear bike helmets nowadays-

I guess not on Christmas as evident in theses pictures. 

Or could it be the THRILL of racing your older cousin...

Or could it be ALL the extra attention you get...

Happy Trails To You...

Sweet Dreams

Merry Christmas!

Ornaments

When Andrew and I started dating, over ten years ago, I started collecting a few Christmas tree ornaments each year. It became a special tradition to find the perfect ornament that summed up the entire year. To remember each ornament's year, I simply write the date on the bottom with a sharpie. I've always had a dream of one day having a Christmas Tree filled with little figures that individually tell a story of years past. I value a personal "memory" tree around the holidays over a staged "don't touch", just-look tree. I love the beauty and magnitude of those "don't touch" trees and always think about how to go about creating one, but as soon as that thought enters my mind it leaves just as quickly as it entered. One day in the way distant future, when the year brings us an empty nest, but our children return for the holidays, I'll look forward to them putting up the ornaments and remembering the special memories that are attached to each and every one.

Here's a trip down memory lane with some old favorites and this years new additions...

Our first Christmas together-time capsule with memories from that year inside.

Our first married Christmas together.

Andrew's 30th birthday trip to Catalina Island with his family-unforgetable.

First year in Austin, Texas.

A special gift from a student.

Taylor's pick this year-he loves John Deere!

In memory of Reily.

In memory of Abby.

Another Taylor pick this year-1st airplane trip this year.

Our first school-made ornament!

*Note to readers...Taylor's first Christmas ornament is missing-I've looked up and down our tree and I can't find it anywhere. I know it couldn't have gone far...I know this because I did see it this year while we were decorating the tree together. It's either become a special treasure in our sons room somewhere or it accidentally fell off the tree and now resides under the mountain of presents that have continued to grow from beneath the tree...

Hopefully it will find it's way back home SOON!

Send a Message From Santa

Recently I've come across several fun Santa sites for kids and their parents...

The Portable North Pole site is one of the best.

You get to customize the message for your child and the Santa looks so authentic! 

Taylor was interested in what Santa was saying to him (via email-ha), 

but Taylor is still very cautious of this holiday stranger with the puffy white beard and red suit...

I can only imagine what next year will bring.

Will we ever get a picture on Santa's knee?

Merry Messaging!

ElfYourSelf

If you haven't seen this...then you need to.

If you haven't done this...then you need to.

If this doesn't make you laugh...then you need to see a therapist!

Happy Holidays from the Curtis-Wellings Elves.

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/hnuo6f0urSHYeZ8sOxeg

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/Cwjq76dxYGAnVuHMwvJW

Take A Look...

Simple...

Square pretzels

Peppermint Hershey Kisses

Christmas Colored M&M's

Assemble...

Warm pretzels and kisses at 200 degrees for 3-4 minutes

Remove promptly

Press one M&M on each slightly warmed kiss

Let cool completely 

Decorate...

Pint sized Mason Jar

Ribbon

Pretty wrapping paper (circle top of lid)

Homemade from the kitchen of the Curtis-Wellings Family