Embracing Life

My sister invited Keira and I to head into Chicago to see the Marshall Field Macy's Christmas displays and visit the American Girl Doll Store. The thing is... Keira didn't have her AG doll yet.  Santa wasn't bringing Saige until December 25.  So Mommy called in a favor, and St. Nick dropped her off on December 6! The boys' gift and Keira's doll Yesterday, my sister, niece, Keira, and I drove into the city.  I hate driving in Chicago. But we had a blast! It started snowing right about the time we got there, and the snowy roads made for a loooonnnngggg drive home, but we girls had a fantastic time! Lexi, Julie, Keira and Saige Stopped for a quick snack After lunch at Macy's on State Street The great tree in the Walnut Room Walking back to the car Keira picked up a couple of goodies at the AG store, and Mommy bought herself a new purse as an early birthday present at Macy's.... All in all, it was a wonderful day!!!

Today I'm linking up with The Happiness Project over at Leigh vs. Laundry . The kids had off most of last week for "turkey break".  My work is always closed Wednesday-Friday (a fact my husband somehow was clueless about but we won't talk about that....)   It was a great five day break from work and school.  I got to pretend I was a stay-at-home-mommy, and we did a lot of fun things, in between spending Thanksgiving with my side of the family at my uncle's house. Watching the Thanksgiving Day parade (Aunt Diana and her horse, Quest, rode in it!) Thanksgiving fun Decorating the tree Playing with the swords of destiny and our mermaid crowns, rather than posing nicely for a picture Rounding out the weekend with pizza and Christmas shows on Disney, Jr., then snuggling on the couch as a family!

  Keira, my sweet little girl, is deathly afraid of the elf on the shelf.   Read about it here: The (Evil) Elf on the Shelf So last year, I found a stuffed polar bear that used to be my grandma's. I don't know where she got it, but it was in her curio cabinet, and I asked my mom if I could have it. I figured a polar bear was a lot less menacing than an elf.  The experience went pretty well, Keira loved Peppermint, as long as he doesn't move around too much AND because he can't go upstairs. (I called Santa and specifically made this request.) With Thanksgiving break last week,  Peppermint the Polar Bear made his grand entrance,  and brought along 3 baby polar bears to keep an extra special eye on the kids.   Because the babies are so small, Keira is ok with keeping hers in her room.   (And apparently in my work bag, because that's where I found one this morning!