Weekend Roundup

We came into this long weekend really ready for some family time.  And I have to say, mission accomplished to that! We had a lovely weekend, but after four days of non-stop togetherness perhaps we're all ready to return to a school and work routine, a little more rested and a little more appreciative of each other. We've slept in every day, eaten really good food, exercised well and taken care of stuff on the home front.

By Friday night we were feeling a little cooped up, so Saturday afternoon we headed up to Des Moines to run some errands and get out of the house for a little while.  We decided to head to Exile Brewing Company for an early dinner. The food was excellent and the girls were very well behaved.  They gobbled up some calamari, Ava had fish and chips and Amelia had a custom ham sandwich, prepared just the way she wanted by the kind cooks in the kitchen. Here we are goofing around with the camera while we were waiting for our food.

Me and Mimi, looking more alike than I realize…..

Ava snaps a picture of me and John….

And Ava, looking so very much like her dad….

Today was the big Christmas tree day, so you know what that means….  The annual gastronomic delight!

Temperatures have warmed up a bit and we were out picking up our tree in 50 degree weather. How nice is that?  John, the girls and Orbit's behind….

The perfect tree!

Just had to get a shot of Ava's awesome outfit.  BTW, that's my coat.

Loving on my girls...

Santa!!!

Ava would have none of telling Santa what she wanted… too grown up? And I had to post this picture, because this is how Amelia responded when Santa asked what she wanted. Power down, crickets chirping. Apparently nothing?  After several attempts she finally squeaked out that she wanted a camera and then got out of there asap.

When we got home Meghan, Albert and Lane came over to help hang lights and finish decorating our tree. We snacked and snacked, then ate these sandwiches… (so, so good! I want them at least once a week!) Then Meghan, Albert, Ava and I headed off to restorative yoga to wind down a really nice day.

The boat, all lit up….. ready to enter this busy holiday time where we will focus on a season of simple celebration.