A Merry Little Christmas

Nothing says Christmas like. . .

Gingerbread villages

Church Christmas programs

 Imperfect family photos

Letters to Santa

Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Telling Santa your heart's desire

Making sugar cookies

Red sweater vests and runny noses

Christmas carol sing-alongs

Big smooches 

More imperfect family photos

Pinatas

Ice fishing 

Sledding (on grass?!)

New toys

Ticket To Ride tournament with the family



Snow or no snow, we had a wonderful Christmas season.  The hope and celebration of Jesus' birth, time with extended family, creating new traditions with our own little family -- I loved every minute.  I would replay it all if I could.

This and That

A few moments from the past few weeks in the Olson house:

I had some old apples that weren't very tasty, and I didn't have the energy to make a pie.  These apple cookies were an easier and healthier alternative.  Here is the recipe, if it looks good to you!  http://www.food.com/recipe/oatmeal-apple-cookies-30981

Helping Dad get ready for goose hunting. 

He didn't get any geese -- I wasn't too heart-broken :-)

My cutest Christmas decoration

 The after-nap curls

 Snow angels in our dusting of snow.  This all melted and we have no snow.  I don't mind. . .at least until December 24th.

A festive idea I found on Pinterest -- my recent discovery (and love!)

And the tip of the month:

When you haven't seen or heard Sam for more than 5 minutes, you can usually anticipate some clean-up.

DC

A few weeks ago, Mike and I had a chance to go to Washington DC (without kids!). He had a conference, so I tagged along. The weather was great (73 one day!) and the sights were amazing.

Supreme Court Building

Thomas Jefferson memorial at early evening 

Library of Congress

Orchids at the White House Botanical Gardens

Arlington

The Metro!

Old Town Alexandria

We had some very tired feet, but it was such a relaxing, fun time with my hubby.