Christmas Vacation

I am not going to be able to do this in one post. I will have to break this up because so much happened over the holiday and I have tons of pictures and videos to show for it. I'll try to get a good chunk of it in here though . . .

Guests arrived on Thursday, December 23rd. We were all anxiously awaiting their arrival so that we could officially put work and school behind us and start the celebration. My Mom and Step Dad came from NJ, along with our friend Linzy and my Uncle Gordon. They all stayed at my house. At my cousins house three doors down, from Virigina my Aunt and Uncle came as well as my other cousins with their new baby. Our street was full of bustling family members as we took turns having one party after the other, while alternating houses. Boy, was that a good idea!! (Thanks Anna!!) Hosting only every other night gave us a chance to relax and enjoy ourselves more.

It was great to have all of the kids together, two toddlers and two infants (all girls!) and not only did we take advantage of their cuteness by dressing them the same, but we took lots of pictures and spoiled them with lots of presents. In fact, it took Christina several days to open all of her presents. Although that is mostly because she wanted to play with each present right after she opened it. Unfortunately I hardly know what everyone got her since it was complete chaos while everyone opened presents. I know she loved everything she received though and it was a very special experience for her.

All of our family stayed for six days and in those few days we had presents and dinners, birthdays and cookies, canceled flights and snowstorms, a lost football game ticket and a trip to urgent care from a dog bite . . . just to sum things up a little. Eventually everyone had to go home and the Christmas decorations had to come down, as is expected. But, we were left with memories of holiday cheer along with a ton of left over food and a bunch of amazing pictures. (Thanks to Linzy for always taking the most beautiful pictures!)

For at least a week after Christmas, Christina continued to ask for presents each day, continued to ask where Santa's milk went ("He drank it silly, remember?") and continued to say "Santa Clause is coming to town" no matter how many times I tried to explain that he already came.

Here are some highlight pictures. I'll post more of them in future posts, don't you worry!



































































I mostly took video on Christmas morning during the bulk of the present opening, but there are a few pictures.

Hello New Year

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We had a house full of guests for the holiday's and had a wonderful time. Our unofficial photographer (close family friend), Linzy took like a million pictures to document the week that everyone was here to celebrate. I am sorting through all of the pictures so that I can share them with you. I also have some videos that I hope to share.

While I work on that, I am going to post something non-children related (!!). Since we just ended 2010, I thought this would be appropriate . . .

Things that I loved in 2010:

Nutella . . yummy, yummy Nutella, oh how I have loved you this year . . . on waffles . . . on bread . . . mostly on waffles. According to Nik, you are the reason for my little non-baby belly, and I think I may have to end our time together. I will dearly miss you, oh yes, I will.

My spinbrush. After my dentist suggested it and then I saw a commercial the same day, I was convinced that I needed it. With a price tag at only $6 or so (on sale), I couldn't resist. Now I thoroughly enjoy brushing my teeth. I think there is a possibility that I go over board with it, but I really love my spinbrush!

My new house . . . the most awesome house that I could have hoped for. I am surprised to say that there is nothing I don't like about this house. I feel so at home here and just love it to death. I am so happy to be out of my tiny little condo and into my new home. I hope to fill this house with lots of children, lots of laughter, and lots of years of happy memories.

Clearasil stayclear daily pore cleansing pads. I bought these on a whim when I was trying to use up the rest of my flexible spending money and these just happened to be eligible. I love the way they feel and the way they smell. I love that it takes off my makeup so easily and makes my skin feel so clean. I also love that they are making my skin look healthier lately. I hope to keep these in stock at the Kalos household for 2011.

Pepperage Farm whole grain bread. I was always a white bread type of girl when it came to sandwiches. My best friend from high school got me into potatoe bread a few years back and I've even warmed up to italian bread. I never thought I would like whole grain or whole wheat bread - at least not enough to really want to eat it, enough to tolerate it sure, but I couldn't imaagine anything more. I stumbled upon this bread when my cousin had it at his house and I've been hooked since.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. This stuff smells amazing, feels amazing, and works to keep my skin looking - well I don't think my skin is amazing - but this stuff definitely helps. Although I don't watch many commercials, I must admit that I got sucked into this product based on a commercial.

Pepperage Farm turkey breast. O.M.G. I am not normally a big fan of turkey, although I love turkey sandwiches (love love love cheese and bread, so why not?) When I tried this turkey for the first time I was amazed at how much I loved it. After eating it for four months, I am surprised that I still love it. Thank goodness Costco sells it in bulk!

Shark VX3 Floor/Carpet Sweeper. I'm currently trying to get my hands on my very own shark sweeper, but in the meantime, I get to use it over at my cousins house on occassion. I have to say that when you have a toddler that can't eat without covering the floor with crumbs, this bad boy is a must. The first time I used it, I knew I had to have one of my very own.