Our 2014 Christmas Gift

Now that it is well after Christmas I feel safe in sharing our family Christmas gift.

I mean, it's January 16th, were you all aware?

I feel like I was just introduced to January and she's halfway out the door. 

We decided to do a calendar for our family this year.

I have been enjoying having a DSLR so much and, even though I'm far from a pro, felt like sharing some of my favourite shots from the year.

Dusseldorf and Amsterdam were a huge highlight so kicked off the first two months.

Yes I am aware that the door this is hanging on is "distressed" and has a mystery splatter from a recent food incident on the right hand side.

Just keeping it real you know.

And who am I kidding, that splatter is probably not recent at all and may or may not still be there.

Moving on.

The birthday kids were featured for the two months following.

Just a handsome boy in a bow tie.

And a beauty in the boat.

Post ice cream at the general store.

Raspberry picking.

Apple picking with Charlie.

Elsa and the Lion.

Down by the creek.

And finally, Christmas jammies.

I created these on the Apple.

I searched many websites and kept coming back to Apple's simple style and large size.

They were amazing quality, a decent price and were delivered within a week of ordering.

We have heard rave reviews from all of the family which I'm sure has nothing to do with the super cute subjects.

Happy New Year 2015

There is just no denying that life becomes almost unrecognizable with kids.

Jeff and I were hyperaware of this fact as we drove past numerous stilettos, mini skirts and pre-drinking partiers on our way to McDougall United Church.

 "We spent New Year's Eve at a church "are words that I never imagined saying.

This is, of course, no ordinary church.

It is also known in Edmonton as a great concert venue.

So when we were deciding how to ring in 2015 at about 6pm on Dec 31st and this event showed up on a google search it sounded a little too good to be true.

 And it was.

The admission was a mere donation to the food bank and the line up was non-existent. 

Not only was the above set list full of talent, the basement was full of kids activities.

I was so proud of Fiona when she sat down to the colouring table and chatted with a few kids her age.

 The face painting was a welcome surprise...

 ...as was the toy selection.

There was also a weaving station, flower pot decorating and a penny toss.

 The kids even participated in a parade led by one of the performers.

Surprisingly, Fiona was stoked to stand up in front of all those people, not a hint of shy in her that night.

Cedric is still talking about his Spiderman face and has now taken to wearing a hand-me-down costume of the same {thanks Tessa}.

 We were even able to get the kids to sit for some music.

{The hot chocolate and cookies didn't hurt that endeavour.}

We didn't make it to the end but caught a few great acts and had a lot of fun.

 The beauty of this place gets me every time as does the comfort.

I was transported back to my childhood.

I have fond memories of Southwoods United and though church isn't a part of our lives now it still felt like home.

To cap off this wild evening I watched fireworks from the comfort of our attic while the kids slept and the husband watched a movie.

I hope you also had a great night and wishing you all the best in 2015.