Merry Christmas 2010 and Happy 2011!

Happy New Year! We had a busy few weeks and although it was chaotic at moments (on a certain Southwest airlines flight for example), it was full of special family time.

We spent our first few days off, Christmas included, in Phoenix with the Smitham gang. It was wonderful to have Courtney here not only for the holiday but to get to join her in wedding dress shopping. Reese enjoyed seeing her in her "princess dress." I am also thrilled to say that he adores his "kitchen set" and proudly announced on Christmas morning "now everyone has their own kitchen." He has been busy cooking since!

Dinner Christmas Eve

Silly Goose
Funny face w/Aunt Courtney

The kitchen arrives inside...

Christmas morning, the chef in his kitchen

Opening presents

The second part of holidays were spent with the Redford/Prellwitz/Phillips gang in the midwest. We spent most of our time in St. Louis, but made a brief New Year's Eve jaunt to Bloomington/Normal, Illinois to see my sister Katie and her family. It meant so much to get to see everyone this trip.

Visiting the Tangeman's; little Ava!

Joel & Mary at the Children's Discovery Museum

Grandpa Chris and the boys

Nephew Tom opens his Christmas gift

Mom, Dad, & Mary

Reese does some "work" daddy style

Cousin Angelica at Monkey Joe's

Me and my mini, Cousin Lucy Reese living it up with Nana and Grandpa's piano

Play Kitchen: Week 5/Festive Fun 2010

Wow, looking back over the last few weeks, my exhaustion makes a lot of sense! Even with Reese having had the chicken pox and Geoff and I having our share of illness too, we've gotten to do a lot of fun things in preparation for the holidays. I hope you all have too!

Current state of the kitchen! Just needs touch up paint here and there

Side view w/chalkboard

Side view w/apron & oven mitt Reese playing with his manger Zoolights w/Grandma (beautiful!) Only in Arizona, a scary scorpion! Making Christmas cookies with Mama Polar Express up north in Williams, AZ Mmmm, chocolate chip... Silly goose

Looking out the window at the North Pole Getting his gift from Santa (not scared!!!)

Play Kitchen: Week 4

Forgive the delay...I've been hard at work on the kitchen, but haven't had the camera out there with me. It's nearly done, I'm just changing out the backsplash. Most of the accessories are even ready!

We all loved having a little extra time to relax over the Thanksgiving break with the Smithams and our AZ friends. Now, we're spending our time watching Reese get into the spirit of the season enjoying festive decor all around him. We hope your holiday season is equally fun!

Personalized Apron

Chalkboard for the side of the kitchen

Cooktop

Nearly done!

Play Kitchen: Week 2

We've entered week 2 of kitchen construction and I'm more excited every step of the way. Check it out...

The lucky recipient

Our living room a few days ago...hmmm, I wonder if he likes to cook...
Second mock-up, post priming/painting

Granite countertop, "installed" yesterday :)

Current state...check out the new oven door (still have to add glass/frame), countertop look, and shelves

Inside the oven

Play Kitchen: Week 1

I started work on the play kitchen over the weekend and made fast progress. Mind you, this is just a mock-up to make sure the sizing of everything is right, but I'm thrilled with how it looks so far! I've got paint, fabric, and everything else I need...now I just need some time...

Veteran's Day at Marley Farms

Today our AZ gang of moms and babes headed south to Marley Farms Petting Zoo. It was pretty entertaining and nice to spend a weekday together. Check out the cute animals (and friends)!