Five on Friday

::: 1 :::

We've had tons of playdates this week since most of our older friends are out on school break, so we've had a ton of fun! Plus, it's helped me get into the "festive" mindset, since it feels like such a treat! We are not ready for baby #2, but, I can see why having kids close in age would be an asset (at times), because there's a buddy with you all the time to play with. 

::: 2 ::: 

I'm in a funny, non-wine mood lately at night and instead having been really enjoying tea before bed. A few years ago I got hooked to the Trader Joe's Holiday Teas (Candy Cane and Mint Chocolate are my favorites), but I recently bought this Vanilla Honey Chamomile that is a little less sweet but packs more than just plain Chamomile. It's a really nice flavor so I would grab it if you see it!

::: 3 ::: 

Joel had a few meetings in Santa Barbara this past Tuesday, so Leo and I decided to tag along with him. In theory - it was a great idea.....it was something different to do, we all love Santa Barbara, and Leo is really good in the car, and it's a pretty short trip, so why not. 

Well, we were all just in the crankiest of moods, and it just sort of became the biggest pain the ass ever.  We drove Joel's car and since it's not an SUV, the sun beat down on Leo's rear facing car seat the entire time which causes him to scream for 2 hours on the way up, and 2 hours on the way down. I tried to MacGyver 100 ways to stop it from happening, but no such luck. It turned out to be a long day, but you win some, you lose some.

::: 4 :::

 

I truly have NO idea how this Christmas weekend has arrived, but, it's here and I couldn't be happier. Tonight we are going to build a Gingerbread house and get the house ready for our big Christmas Eve Dinner. We are hosting 4 other families at our house and I'm so excited to have them share in our Christmas traditions. We have been doing lobsters ever since we moved to California, so we will be starting with a huge seafood platter, then having beef tenderloin and a mushroom truffle ravioli for dinner. We're going all out! 

::: 5 :::

I wanted to wish every person reading this post the happiest of Christmases. I truly hope that you find yourself at a table filled with good people, good food, and good fortune. 

From the bottom of my heart - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!