pajama party!

We have a grownup Christmas party every year, so I decided to plan a little kids' Christmas party this year, as well.  I have tried in the past to get all the grandkids Christmas pajamas.  With all the work it takes these days, I am not surprised it only happens every few years (I dare you to try and find 18 pairs of pajamas all the right size...).  I think from now on, if you are 5 and under you get cute Christmas jammies.  Everyone else can show up in their favorite sweat pants.  Good.  Anyway, we took all the kids downtown to go ice skating and then back to my house for pizza and to change into our jammies.  They were quite a cute sight, even if we were missing six of them.    

 Hope the holiday season is treating you well!

the ritz at christmas

The other night we met some friends in the lobby of the Ritz for drinks.  It is decorated so festive and is so beautiful.  It has that magical holiday feeling I crave this time of year.  I definitely recommend it!  Stop by with your hubby before or after dinner or even after a Target run for last minute Christmas gifts!  Sit in a comfy chair by the fire, order a drink and pretend you are in New York at Christmas time.  It really is too pretty to pass up.

Don't we look happy?  Going on our 38th Christmas...  I think.  Hmmm, hope I've been good.  Fearing Wondering what will be in my stocking this year...

What festive things have you been up to this season?

christmas on balboa

A couple weeks ago when hubby and I escaped for a few days to the beach, we would go on walks in the evenings and admire all the lovely (and hilarious) Christmas lights and decorations.  It was so magical.  Be sure to spend one evening this year walking or driving around looking at lights.  It will put you immediately in the holiday mood! 

The famous Dino.

Never moved.  Must be in deep thought.  Probably thinking of Christmas...

This pulls at my heart strings every time I see it.  Maybe more at Christmas...

family parties

Last week the whole family headed over to my son Patrick and his wife Mary's house for a belated birthday dinner for their daughter Charlotte. It is always so fun to have all the kids together.  I especially love going to each family member's house during Christmas to check out their holiday decorations!

Happy birthday, sweet Charlotte!

I just love seeing holiday decorations in other people's homes.  I had totally forgotten about this old christmas cake stand from the Willows several years back...

And I still love the snow globes we made last year.  Here's some details if you want to make your own!

Finally, I can't help but show off Mary's adorable advent calendar she made for her kids...

Hope this week has started off as a good one for you!

don't forget...

Ruby loves Dos Fannies, too!

Tomorrow night is Men's Night Out at the Willows!  If you haven't filled out your wish list yet, hurry in!  It's not to late!  And, in addition to all our usual wonderful gifts, local jewelry artists Dos Fannies and Jewel Ya will be here with new items to make your season bright!  Jewel Ya is even offering a free gift with a $100 purchase of her jewelry - a beautiful freshwater pearl pendant!  You don't want to miss out on all the fun, so hurry in to the Willows!  And don't forget to send your man on Friday night at 6:00!

p.s. I am working on some stockings in my craft room.  What do you think?  Will share more later!

our thanksgiving

It was another great year with the family (almost) all together for Thanksgiving.  Alex was able to fly home from college, so all but our Chicago Burches were able to be together.  I practiced the art of not being a control freak by letting my daughter and granddaughter be in charge of flowers.  I hardly even noticed that they were not all cut to the same length...  The boys all played flag football while the moms and littles enjoyed lounging in the yard taking turns holding babies and puppies.  We ate.  And ate.  And after dinner I led my team to the win with my gold converse in an all-family game of capture the flag.  There were some delicious pies devoured later in the afternoon.  Especially the ones I "made."  As in I "made" myself order them.  I "made" myself go pick them up.  And I "made" myself bring them home...  See how I "made" pies this year?  Hehe.  

It was, indeed, a very happy thanksgiving!

Hope yours was, as well!

Always so much to be thankful for!

Charlotte reading what each grandchild said they were thankful for this year.