* End of the Year

Goodbye 2013!

* Bass Pro Shop

* Holiday Hodge Podge

* Lanterns for Hattie

{Written 12/03/14 and back dated to preserve the memory}

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Christmas Eve will find you
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams…….

It was a very somber evening on Christmas while we remembered Hattie and the incredible life she left behind. There will always be a huge hole and a sense of something missing without her.

* Christmas Day Without

{Written 12/03/14 and back dated to preserve the memory}

We slept at our own house on Christmas Eve but drove straight over to Poppy’s house in the morning to see what Santa had brought! We had our traditional breakfast and spent a very lazy day opening presents, playing with toys, and just relaxing. We never even changed out of our pajamas and barely took any pictures, but it was still a nice day. I think mom would have approved!

* A Christmas Eve Without

{Written 12/03/14 and back dated to preserve the memory}

Our first Christmas without mom. It’s taken me nearly a year to write this post but I realized I didn’t want to look back in five years and have absolutely no recollection of what went on during that first holiday season. I’ve honestly already forgotten much of the days surrounding Christmas but I know we have some great pictures so I can at least share those.

Christmas Eve 2013

The magic of Christmas is not lost on children. The babies were so young they didn’t really understand the fact that Hattie was not there to celebrate with us. Their excitement was hard to deny so we tried to keep everything the same as it has always been and for a moment we were able to forget we were in mourning. Cookies were baked, presents were wrapped, carols were sung, and we managed to survive our “First” and pull off a special Christmas nonetheless. That’s not to say there weren’t a lot of tears and moments of silence and pangs to the heart, but I know mom would have wanted us to celebrate and enjoy ourselves and continue making special memories for the boys.

Christmas Cookie Baking

Ready for bed! Hoping Santa brings lots of fun stuff!

* We Made a Tradition!

In 2012 we joined our friends Lauren and Cullen for a day of making salt dough ornaments. When they invited us again in 2013, we realized we had made an annual tradition Lauren hosted us and this time I had enough sleep and wits about me that baby Nolan was able to participate! I was so bummed that Carter’s hand print baby Jesus in a manger cracked after storing it but hopefully some super glue and possibly some Mod Podge to seal it will help! Nolan’s little foot Christmas tree was super adorable and I know this will take center stage on our tree for years to come!

* A Very Blue Mammoth Christmas

 

{Written 12/03/14 and back dated to preserve the memory}

Blue Mammoth’s partner company Xavient sure does know how to throw a good party! For Christmas this year they put together a Gatsby themed party with dinner, dancing, and late night gambling! I rented a dress from Rent the Runway and we partied the night away with Matt and Becky!

* December Happenings

* Carter’s Christmas Pageant

P3 Christmas Performance

* Meeting Santa

* Thanksgiving Lanterns

Sending Thanksgiving wishes and prayers up to Heaven.

We love you Hattie.