Our 11th Day of Christmas

Our eleventh day of Christmas was the big event.

It was great, it went too fast and we're spent.

Yep, that about sums it up.

From Christmas Eve dinner and gifts at my parents...

...to setting out cookies, milk and carrots...

...to trying to get a nice pic of the kids and ending up with this...

 ...to the Christmas morning magic...

 and the simple toys bringing so much joy...

to a lovely brunch with Jeff's family...

...to a little relaxing time {in my reindeer slippers of course}...

 ...and finally Christmas dinner with my family.

 We hosted the entire day and loved the bustle in and out of the house.

I also loved that the kids could stay put and enjoy the generosity of their friends and family.

It's now New Year's Eve and we're heading to a party.

Even though the holidays are almost over I'm determined to get to 12 days.

 And I really can't wait to share the last and one of my favourites of our days of Christmas.

 Happy New Year and wishing you all the best in 2014!

Our 10th Day of Christmas

On our tenth day of Christmas we saw reindeer at the zoo.

And stopped to see the sea lions too.

The thought of seeing reindeer on the same day they will be flying Santa all over the world almost put Fiona over the edge.

She was so happy to go to the zoo {as always} but even more so because of  these special residents.

Cedric was just happy to be outside, honestly this kid wears his boots 24/7 on the off chance someone wants to take him out.

 The Valley Zoo has really stepped up with a beautiful new entrance.

 The kids had a blast in this beaver dam.

 And Cedric made a friend.

 I took my first reflection selfie.
Big news, I know.

The sea lions were extra playful today and came right up to look at Fiona which she {of course} thought was amazing.

 I just think she's so gorgeous.

I hope you are all having a beautiful Christmas.

We had a great day but ended on a down note since Jeff has come down with something.

I am now going to bed to pray that the husband feels better in the morning.

That's all I want for Christmas this year.

Our 9th Day of Christmas

On our ninth day of Christmas we drove Candy Cane Lane.

We tried to walk but that was insane.

We went Sunday when temperatures hovered around -20C but felt more like -30C with windchill.

If you're still planning to head down, don't forget your food bank donation {like we did}.

We owe you big time food bank.

There will be much canned tuna, peanut butter and pasta coming your way soon.

This is the last picture you'll be seeing of these Edward-Scissorhand-esque bangs on Ced.

We caved tonight and took his first lock of hair.

 Don't worry, the curls in the back are safe.

So yes, we have given him somewhat of a mullet.

And he's workin' it. 

This is my absolute favourite.

Cute {fairly symmetrical} house, check. 

White lights caressed in snow, check. 

Wreath on red door, check. 

Cat in window, check.

 Many of the old stand-bys were there but there were some new appearances {to us at least} that blew us away.

 On the drive home we were pulled in by the lights at Government house and just had to stop for a few more bone-chilling minutes.

These kids are such troopers in the cold but we're all glad that the temperatures spiked to a balmy -2C today and will stay up for the remaining days of Christmas.

Our 8th Day of Christmas

On our eighth day of Christmas we sat on Santa's knee.

Cedric was filled with nerves, Fiona with glee.

 That was the case with a younger Fiona as well, the nerves that is.

The visits for Christmases #1 and #2 were for us parents, not her.

That all changed for her third visit to Santa when she started to understand what a wonderful man he really is.

 This year the mall stepped up their winter wonderland with games and Kris Kringle's very own red carpet through a twinkling tunnel.

 Cedric was happy to look at Santa and did go to him on his own.

But the minute he landed on St. Nick's lap it was all "Mama?...MAMA?".

The amazing photographers they had there {like, magical} still got a decent shot.

What blew me away though was when Santa noticed my camera he asked if I got my own picture.

I said that no, we were buying one.

Then in true Miracle-on-34th-Street-style he coaxed Cedric back and created another scene just for me.

This sweet man is a true highlight of our Christmas season.

Hopefully next year we'll have two happy campers for him.

Our 7th Day of Christmas

On our 7th day of Christmas decorating was a hit.

Cedric didn't yet really get it.

Evidence:

Fiona however was all over the decorating and did a great job.

This is one of the best Christmas kid activities.

I'm so thankful to my parents for setting this up since I don't know if I would have gotten around to it due to all the sickness in our house this season.

 I love going to Gram and Grandpa's at Christmas since it's always so festive.

{Complete with a little Bailey's in your coffee, served in a holly mug.}

 Of course even this little stinker couldn't quite keep all the candy on the house.

Evidence:

I mean, who am I to judge, neither can I.

We have tried making "real" gingerbread houses in the past and always come back to this simple 3 step method.

1. Buy Graham crackers and white sugar. {Though you probably already have the latter.}

2. Melt sugar in pan.

3. Dip side of graham cracker in sugar and stick to other graham cracker.

{You can even get fancy by cutting a graham cracker in half for the trusses.}

These little curls just had to make a reappearance. 

 And this little hand.

{Heart melting.}

Another tradition that I love from my childhood is the advent wreath and candles.

I am definitely bringing this one to our home next year.

 The night was topped off with a crackling fire and some quality time with the Grandparents.

 Because, really, the best part of Christmas is the extra reasons to get together.

Our 6th Day of Christmas

On our 6th day of Christmas Fi danced in the Snow Queen.

It was the cutest thing I have ever seen.

I mean, need I say more?

Ok, just one more thing.
The fascinator.
That is all.

Sorry for the blur but I did not get any other parents permission to post their kids faces online.

Also I swear I would do her hair like this every day if she would let me which of course she won't.

 And I just had to share this picture of the men of the house at our pre-show brunch.

Half way there, we just might make it twelve after all.