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Barbie & George

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We had a fun week to wrap up November. Last Saturday, Scott and I enjoyed a nice dinner out, and then a spontaneous trip to Home Depot...and we got some new exterior Christmas décor! But more important was the time spent together. Plus, it started to snow, so the view from the restaurant was beautiful (but the drive home was a little sketchy.)



On Tuesday night, Ava and I headed out to the Mall of America to experience the Malibu Barbie Café. We had a blast exploring the area, eating the yummy food, and then shopping for a bit. It was a wonderful night evening spent together.





Even the drinks were pretty!


My Avocado Toast & salad


Ava's Paradise Pancakes








On Friday night, my book club gathered for our holiday party and it was a blast! We had such a good time chatting, eating, drinking, and finished off the night with a book exchange. I cherish and deeply appreciate the friendships that have developed with my neighbors because of this book club.

And to really kick off the holiday season, our elf George came back a few nights ago! We welcomed him back with open arms, especially after he told us that he's been all over the world, but his favorite place is to be with us. Oh, George! I love that G wrote his letter to Santa, and then George took it back to the big man that night.

Wednesday, November 29


Thursday, November 30
"Cranking up the Christmas Carols!" 
(the little boom box is a Bluetooth speaker!!)


Friday, December 1
"I've hidden 10 of Santa's glittering gold coins. Can you find them all?"
No, George, we didn't find all of them until hours later. It reminded me a little bit of the first year that we had an Easter Egg hunt...and had some missing eggs!

Also, I realize this looks like George is on the potty. He's not. He's sitting on our Roomba mop, lol


Saturday, December 2
"Let's be paleontologists today!" 
(the dinosaur dig kit that George brought is going to provide HOURS of "homework" for G -- his words, not mine, lol)


Every morning the kids have been so excited to open up their advent calendars. I've been enjoying my morning coffee advent calendar, and my evening cheese advent calendar. Who says kids are the only ones who can enjoy advent calendars?!



On Saturday, we built out some custom LEGO ornaments, and G and I got a head start on our Christmas cookie baking (chocolate cookies with peppermint kisses.) On Sunday afternoon, my mom is coming over to help me make fudge, and decorate sugar cookies with the kids. 


I even got several gifts wrapped and under the tree (and even mailed out a few.) I have so many more to wrap, so I'm going to try to tackle it every night until it's done. Wish me luck (because I really, really don't like wrapping gifts!)

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