Snapshots of December

I realized I haven't posted any pictures from all the holiday fun we have been having so far this month so here is a post to save the day!  I know you have all been wondering just what we have been up to ;-)

The first weekend in December we headed out with some of our wonderful friends and their children on one of the best weekends this winter to find our Christmas tree (We went here this year!)  Usually in Chicago we have cold weather and snow when we do this but this year it was 50 degrees! It was perfect for letting the kids run free and walking aimlessly for hours finding our perfect tree.  I guess I would say I definitely prefer warmer weather than the picturesque snowy weather for this activity especially with all the kids we had in tow.  I think I might be spoiled for next year!

Mr. Smashed Peas used all his manly muscles and tied our pretty tree to the roof of our car like a pro.  It made it home safe and sound, good job Clif!

This year we changed the location of where our tree will be in our home.  It just felt right to have it in our family room this year (as opposed to our living room). Since this room has carpeting we opted to put it in a galvanized steel bucket so we wouldn't need our huge tree skirt taking up floor space. Can I just tell you how much I am loving this look!

On December 1st, our Elf on the Shelf (named Stocking) arrived.  He brought the kids their traditional Christmas ornaments one night while hiding in our galvanized bucket...sneaky little elf!

The kids also received their traditional Christmas pj's one evening before bed.  Can I just say how shocked I am that I was able to find matching pajamas for the ages of 6 months-6 years! That is an amazing feat of its own, am I right mommas?

We have been advent calendar-ing (the chocolate variety and the experience variety from this post here!)

Holiday Cornflake Wreath make-ing (minus the cornflakes and add in the Cheerios!) Recipe found here, it's awesome. Try it right now I beg of you.

 And Gingerbread House build-ing!

I hot-glued a whole village of these one night for a Gingerbread House Decorating party we had with our sweet friends!

 Sugar coma, anyone?

 The frosting was intense.

Santa mugs make for the best tasting hot chocolate, bar none!

And last, but not least, I am over the moon excited that I can finally buy matching ornaments for my whole family without having to feel guilty that the last child would get left out!  Hooray!  It's the little things, right? 

And no, the B does not stand for "baby" but for our last name!  Our family is complete and we couldn't be happier :-)  

PS. Oliver just turned 6 months old!  Ugh, stop growing up please!

Thanks for stopping by today!

XOXO,