date night • star wars

As someone who has never seen a Star Wars movie, nor takes any interest in anything sci-fi, Star Wars was legit.  Especially in 3-D.

Also, when was the last time you had an Icee?  

Walking out of the movie theaters and straight into this beautiful wonderland scene was pretty magical.  It was the perfect end to a fun date. 

zoo lights

We continued the Christmas tradition of seeing the Zoo Lights in DC with my family, and this year D requested he ride the flamingo. Keegan, on the other hand, didn't care which animal he had to get on -- the kid just wanted a turn. 

Tubing with Dad. 

Brent enjoys throwing toys at the tree, so it's fun to see what you find when taking a good, hard look at it. 

christmas town • nauticus

Since Pops has a train that goes around their Christmas tree, Dec is now obsessed. 

Arts and crafts galore. 

Taking advantage of a family picture, and a beautiful sunset. 

He kept walking over to Mike every few seconds and planting one on him. 

googily eyes

Only this man would make time before dinner fun. 

Fast asleep wrapped in the warmth of his toggles. 

Mike dropped me off at Target, and this was the text I received. 

This view makes an evening commute not too bad. 

party crasher

We had the opportunity to crash James' holiday party at school, so we took full advantage. 

My sweet boy has started using my bump as his personal pillow.  Forming that sibling bond early. 

meet and greet with santa

I was the chosen one to get on board the sled with all the kiddos.  Not quite sure why Santa put his hands in the air like that ... 

Keegan was hysterical, so I had to hold him.  Declyn showed no interest until the very end. 

Telling Santa what they want for Christmas. 

Declyn - paw patrol toothpaste

James - jeep parts

Brent - toys

Patiently (and adorably) waiting their turn. 

old saint nick

My parents have had this Santa sitting in front of their house year after year for some thirty plus years, so it's neat to see my kids be able to appreciate it. 

Someone enjoys driving a little too much. 

gingerbread homes

Mike and Joe ended up constructing the gingerbread houses, then the kids went ham and decorated them, using what was left of the candy. 

Trying to get D to stop from picking the candy off the houses and eating it?  Impossible.

75 in december

When it's 75 degrees in December, you spend your Saturday at the beach. 

He fell into the water three times (hence the no pants), but luckily the water was warm enough that he didn't mind it at all, and kept going back for more. 

"Come on, Keegan."

Bird chasing.

Family selfie.

He kept asking us to come with him into the water. 

sandy parks

Parks with sand are the best.

Someone got a little upset and flung applesauce onto his face. 

When we let them into bed during the night, this is what happens. 

Starting to get the hang of it. 

food on the go

Keegan wanted to keep us safe on our neighborhood walk. 

Sombrero magnets also make for fun hats. 

I choose to let the creativity flow instead of shutting down the fact that he's pulling his brother, via his highchairs straps, through the house. 

chi town

Getting ready to take on the night.  And the town.

Celebrating 30 years of one of my beautiful best friends.

My friend Michelle represent Kyle Long (Chicago Bears, anyone??), so I let him be our social media announcement that we have a baby on board!

All the ladies (plus Kyle's mom) getting a little VIP treatment. 

Who else looks this good passed out?

Sobriety (or a baby bump) can't hold me down.  I live to dance.

His mom was legit.  Not to mention - such a good time.

After party in the hotel lobby.

When the "clubs" decor become a limbo stick on the dance floor. 

And the celebrations continue at brunch. 

Street selfie ... always safe. 

Peeping Tom in the ladies room. 

Some of the neatest bar decor I've ever seen. 

Being tourists at The Bean. 

My little Katerina. 

See if you can find me.  To be honest, it took me a hot second. 

"Kristen, I don't know why, but I really love this picture."  

"It's because we look young and rested."  Touché. 

The benefit of an early, early flight -- seeing the sunrise.