Hello December

So Thanksgiving just flew by and now we are less than 2 weeks until Christmas, how did that happen??!!

I completely overbook myself and kids the months of November and December and I absolutely love it.  There is so much to do this time of year, we can rest in January.

I hung out with my guy Andy Cohen

kicked off the Christmas season with tea at the Ritz

trimmed the tree

checked out the activities around town

did our annual big bear brunch

decorated gingerbread houses

watched my kids dance

sing

act

and play

  Been to plenty of work parties for the hubby

and my favorite shopping party for me

I've done the cookie exchange

and we have already been to 2 breakfasts with Santa

We still have so many activities,

 and I am saving the best for last

The Nutcracker

with a pre show tea with the cast mastes

Santa at the symphony

wild lights at the zoo

my annual girls Christmas dinner and gift exchange

the BEST breakfast with Santa in the city

Holiday brunch at American Girl Doll

and Christmas Eve dinner at our house



But before Christmas I have the 1 final activity that I am not looking forward to at all

ugg!!

Girl Friday

My in laws are spending Christmas in Michigan and we will be in Mexico, so tonight we are having an early Christmas celebration with them

I actually think this works great with kids.  Stagger out the gifts, some years when the kids open all their presents on the same day they are overwhelmed and don't touch half of them.  This year they will have round 1 of gifts tonight and round 2 Christmas morning.

Saturday morning we have our annual breakfast with Santa

this one from 2 years ago always makes me laugh

Saturday afternoon I am going to finish a few things

my shopping.

I have promised to make cookies so my kids can decorate them...

they literally ask everyday.

pack, so I can enjoy Christmas

I will reward myself for all my hard work with dinner and drinks Saturday night with friends

Sunday we have another breakfast with Santa

 at my daughter's school

a Christmas piano recital by my 2 older kids

then I am hosting our annual Christmas with the Girls.  I have 12 friends coming over for dinner and a gift exchange

I swear, girlfriends give the best gifts...

my friends always know exactly what I want!!

Have a beautiful weekend

A Day at the Races

That is how I feel today will be. Libby and I are starting off our day at the "Big Bear Brunch" at the Ritz Carlton.This is our 5th year going to the brunch. This is such a fun holiday tradition. We decorate cookies, make ornaments, visit with santa, and of course have a 5 star brunch in the grand ballroom.
After brunch we are off to Matthew and Libby's piano recital. They have been working on their holiday songs non-stop the past 2 months. I can't even think because all that is ever running through my head is "We Wish you a Merry Christmas"

Saturday evening, Dan and I are taking a hands on cooking class together.
Our menu for the night is.....
Crab cakes with chipotle aioli, spinach salad, porterhouse steak with caramelized onion gravy, homemade French fries, and creme brule. They serve wine at this class, so that will about do it for me!!