Go, Go, Goers!

Oh what a week it has been!  We had such a wonderful holiday, filled with fun family events, great food, and fantastic memories.  On December 26, I found myself wondering what to do with my free time...watch tv?  Read a book?  SLEEP??? Ava made this bird feeder at pre-school - it has a bell on it so we know when it's being snacked on!   Getting ready to make the traditional German butterballs for our soup on Christmas day   Ava wasn't crazy about the food processor.  At first...   Then she realized it's not so bad!   Counting out nine cups of potato bread crumbs   Starting to roll the butterballs!  After which, this process became very messy, and no more pics were taken...   Crust mustache!   On Christmas Eve night, we spent the evening with Scott's mom's extended family.  Lots of kids made this a fun, crazy night!   Jenna - Ava - Tatiana - Sav...

What a week!  We had Ava's last night at tumbling, my holiday party at work, Ava's Christmas concert with her pre-school, finishing up Christmas shopping, Christmas cards, gift wrapping, menu planning for the big day, and...even a date night! Grandma Deb and Grandpa Whitey came to watch Ava's last night of tumbling, and besides the first 10 minutes of her refusing to uncross her arms, it went rather well. Let's just say that it's impossible to do a somersault with the arms crossed, no matter how hard she tried...   Enjoying her last activity on the tumble track...     The president of BI really outdid himself with this year's holiday party...cosmos, appletinis, beer, wine, a carving station with roast beef, hot and cold appetizers, an ice scuplture, a jazz ensemble, etc...wow!  All he asked is that we dress up for the occasion...so we did!  Some people had on tuxes, most men were wearing full suits with ties, and women were dressed to th...

Nine more days till Christmas is here! And someone is pretty darn excited for Santa to come and visit.  She thinks every day is Christmas and that it's time to open the gifts. By the time the 25th rolls around (assuming we all survive the end of the world this coming week), she's not going to believe me when I finally say YES to opening those gifts! We've had a nice few weeks, including the following fun activities: We hosted a Christmas party at our house, and had a great time eating and catching up with friends.  Ava and I went to the Nutcracker (performed by the Twin Cities Ballet.)  She and Kelsi did surprisingly well paying attention and staying in their seats.  Can't wait to see it next year! The Goers' family Christmas party was this past Friday, and I think I made it till midnight (maybe) before I crashed on the couch with Ava.  Scott, however, made it till 2am.  We had lots of fun seeing all of the cousins! I'd like to say that we're do...

It seems like there is so much to do during the holiday season.  While the Type A part of my personality feels a bit of panic when I'm not able to quickly check things off of the extensive holiday to-do list, the very, very small part of my personality that's a bit more easy-going steps in and reminds me to slow down and enjoy the moments. Now that turkey day is done, we can focus 100% on the Christmas holiday - and boy, have we been having fun!  Yesterday, we had family pictures taken (Ava looks great, we look exhausted), and then met up with Scott's sister and her three boys, and went to visit Santa at Southdale Mall.  Last year, we saw Santa just a few days before Christmas, and let's just say that he was a very popular guy - I think we waited for an hour or so, just to say hi.  But yesterday, there was no one in line!  Note to self: always go early in the Christmas season... When Santa asked Ava what she would like for Christmas,...