New traditions

Starting a new tradition is as fun as continuing old ones.

Last weekend a bunch of friends met up at December Nights in Balboa Park. It's a great free event in a beautiful and historic park for all ages. Imagine food, drinks, Christmas lights, palm trees, singing children and adult choirs, carnival rides, and a ton of people in a festive mood.





It was a great time! The International Cottages had the best food and vibe by far, but the Spreckles Organ Pavilion gave me that fuzzy feeling. (Or was it the spiced wine from Hungary?)

Definitely heading back next year, because really, it's not a tradition till you do it more than once!

Cookiepocalypse

Cookiexplosion.
Sugar high.
Holiday weight gain.
A dream come true.



Call it what you'd like. I'm calling it our new tradition. I'm hoping Betsy is up for making ten varieties next year!

Check out Betsylife! for details on these amazing sweet treats.

Ho. Ho. Ho.

Jeff and I planned to take Leila to see Santa last Friday. Being the rookie that I am, I did not expect that we would have to shell out $22 to get a picture with Leila on his on lap. I also probably should have known that I was not allowed to take my own picture unless I paid for a photo package.

Forget it, we agreed no picture. Maybe no Santa for that matter since the line was a few families deep.

I went back to shopping and Jeff took Leila walking around the mall. I didn't think twice about what they were up to. I was way too busy buying a new pair of jeans! (Thanks in part to last month's challenge.)

When we got into the car Jeff said he had a surprise. He showed me the picture he bought of Leila. I about died it was so perfect!



Not for a second was I upset that he took her to see Santa without me. They did just fine without me. Imagine that?!?!




Did I mention that Jeff taught her what Santa says? "Ho. Ho. Ho." just like the Santa in A Christmas Story. Hilarious!

I've got that holiday feeling

You all know what I am talking about. So many people feel the exact same way this time each year. I am feeling festive!

I love everything about the Christmas season. The decorations, the music, the gift giving, the baking, the warm fuzzy feeling after one too many glasses of wine, and the traditions both new and remembered.

This is the first year we put our tree up in November. We purchased it at a local nursery. (It is so important to support small businesses when you can!) I am a big fan of our fresh tree. Honestly, the smell is faint compared to past years, but I love it's unique shape. It seems like each year we get the "best tree ever"!



Jeff and I were both given ornaments from our parents each year as children. We tell each other the same stories each year as we unwrap and hang them in just the right spot on the tree.

This year I laughed when Jeff said he had to take a step back after each ornament placement, take a sip of wine, and make sure he was happy with his choice. I laughed because I do the same thing! No wonder we end up drunk at the end of the night.

Leila help us put up a few ornaments this year. She liked throwing them on the tree but preferred to hand me the ornaments to hang. There were a few I had to pry out of her hands at the end of the night!



She's been great with keeping her hands off the tree. I set up two little spots of Christmas decorations that she can touch and play with. Check out her showing me the picture of her and Santa. (Posted pictures to come.) Adorable!



I am excited for all the fun holiday events this month. Kicking it off at Balboa Park's December Nights this evening!

Cheers!