Our Real Christmas Tree

Last year was our first year with a real tree and I’m looking forward to making it one of our traditions! It smelled so nice and it was so wonderful to walk past the dining room and see it twinkling in the corner. I can’t wait to take everyone to pick one out again this year.

And as a quick holiday reading recommendation, I loved Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan. Jenny is one of my favorite closed-door romance authors and this one about a Swedish royal heir and a Scottish baker was especially sweet and fun.

At Year's End

It’s been quite the year for us here. In August, we headed to Isle of Palms, South Carolina for a family beach week. Normally, August in South Carolina is pretty hot but we managed to pick the only cold week of the summer.

Aria and Rhiannon spent a lot of time this summer thrifting in preparation for back-to-school. They styled their own back-to-school photo shoots using all the outfits below, right down to how they wanted their hair styled. I knew having twins would be fun but it still surprises me every day how fun it really is.

Liam turned sixteen and has his driver’s permit. He’s been active in theater now that everyone is back to in-person school and all the rest of the kids have caught the theater bug so everyone is starting theater classes soon.

We’ve been busy decorating for Christmas and planning our December Bucket List. I’m hoping to getting back to blogging regularly, starting in the next few weeks.

Sweetness and Light (and Poinsettias!)

Last Christmas the twins received these dresses as a gift and they were sadly too big. Thankfully, they seem to fit perfectly this year! For a touch of kismet, I just received this gorgeous poinsettia wrapping paper in the mail from Minted just as we were planning out our photo session.

Christmas Cookies? Yes, Please!

Seriously, how adorable are these cookies? Tis the season!

Our Living Room Christmas tree

Our flocked pre-lit Christmas tree is from At Home. The stump Christmas tree base is actually a planter from Target. The garland is yarn from Michael’s. The ornaments are either locally crafted, family heirlooms, or from TJ Maxx/Marshall’s. Our white peacock tree topper is from Anthropologie.

Merry and Bright

Who wouldn’t be cheered by lots of twinkle lights and a succulent in a Santa mug?