Monday, December 30, 2013

END OF DECEMBER.


We waited 2 hours to meet this guy.
She told him she wanted a microphone and a doll.

continued after the break...





Ramona insisted we make a tree topper after reading a book about them.


Light gazing on Peacock Lane is just about the coziest thing.


As soon as she got home from meeting him, she drew this and wrote on the back,
"I saw you, Santa."
and then left it next to the plate of cookies for him.


Brunch by the water in my hometown.


Ramona meeting my cousin's daughter Preslee for the first time.
They held hands the entire time.


About 1:30 am after Santa duty.
That's the tent I made!


wild things crown, microphone, rhythm sticks, wooden blocks, tambourine, vintage doll.


Reading to herself in her tent, later that afternoon.


Lazy elf feet.


Afternoon naps and A Charlie Brown Christmas.


That star.
She's been practicing for awhile.


Gluten-free sugar cookies, beer (oops), and taking things down.
I couldn't wait to throw the tree outside and clear out my living room.


I love this place.


He can't ever take a photo, so therefore, neither can I.


Frozen.


Taking a snack break.


Ramona and Atticus.


It's never funny to shave your face like this.
Or yes, yes it is.


Cody bought me this sweater for Christmas.
I'm a lucky lady.


-----

Early on Christmas Eve we drove up to Olympia, 
had lunch with my mom, her partner, his son, and my brother, 
stopped by my aunt and uncle's annual party and saw lots of family I haven't seen in years, 
then we drove the two hours back home to put the little lady to bed and get to work.
We underestimated how long it would take us to set up her kitchen and play tent, 
as well as stockings... but we did it, and actually had a great time. 
We watched Christmas Vacation, drank wine, and told stories of Christmases past.
I can see this becoming our tradition.
Also, Cody wrote the cutest, most creative note to Ramona from Santa.

Christmas day was relaxing and sweet. 
Ramona was really excited about Santa this year, although I think she's onto him already.
Cody makes dutch babies and bacon every Christmas morning, I make coffee, and we take turns opening our gifts.
I loved seeing how naturally Ramona has learned to be grateful.
It makes my mama heart swell.

To wrap up these photos, we spent the day after Christmas up at Mt. Hood playing in the snow with friends, 
that ended in happy hour at a brewery in Hood River.
There was even a really crazy connection made, 
and that kind of too-good-to-be-a-coincidence 
stuff always makes everything meaningful and magical.

-----

Wishing you all the happiest, warmest new years celebration with those you love.

▲▲▲

4 comments:

  1. Sounds like you and your family had a wonderful Christmas, Amanda! I hope you have a wonderful new year as well!
    xoxo Kelsy

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    Replies
    1. aww thank you! Happy new year to you, Steve, and Gabby!

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  2. I love this post! I adore her tent, and her drawing, and note, to Santa. Haha, she's the cutest thing. Happy New Year to you 3!

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