December is pretty much over already? How did that happen? This entire month seems like a whirlwind that took me along for the ride.
It started with a fantastic trip with my daughter to Beaches Negril in Jamaica. The sand, sun and ocean was the most perfect way to start the month off right.
As soon as we got back, it was a mad rush to finish shopping, baking and decorating. Due to the trip we had a late start in prepping for the holidays, but I managed to pull it all off without too much stress. Well, nothing a glass of rum and eggnog couldn’t handle!
Christmas was perfect, time spent with the family and memorizing each magical smile and squeal from my kids. The stress, rush and mad-prep was totally worth it.
Even Elfie {not pictured} came to stay about mid-month until Christmas Day. Whether you like Elf on the Shelf or not, I’m addicted to the girls excitement each morning as they find him with a huge, ‘Morning Elfie!’. Ours doesn’t get into too much of a mess, it’s just something totally fun for the kids as we countdown to Christmas. He’s their buddy and they love him – that’s all that matters! ok, and if it stops them from having one colossal fight per day, it’s a huge bonus.
Between Christmas and now we’ve lucked in with some warmer weather, opposite to the massive snowstorms we’ve suffered for the last month and a half. While I’m not a winter person {at all!}, we took advantage of the nicer weather and went sledding and {drumroll} – I taught the twins to skate!
On shaky feet, they each held my hand for about 5 minutes and then they were off. While right now they move slowly and can’t really ‘skate’ exactly, they can stand and cautiously make their way around the ice. That first time they even mastered how to get up on their own from the ice. Success!
Plus, the break from school and activities has given me a re-charge after such a chaotic Fall. Sleeping in, a clear schedule for a bit and staying in PJ’s until noon. Bliss!
Was it a good December? Absolutely!
Hope all my fantastic readers had a wonderful December and Christmas. So long 2013, bring it on 2014!
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If you haven’t yet made a Month in Photos collage, January 2014 is a great time to start! You can print each month, and soon you’ll have a year in photos for an album – without much effort required.
I used to *plan* to put photos in an album or make one at least every quarter – yet my reluctance to actually do it proved to be a huge fail. While I started doing Month in Photos mid-way through 2013 and don’t have a full year, I’m still going to make an album in the next week or so, and start fresh for 2014.
Mystery Case says
12/31/2013 at 7:48 amWhat a gorgeous little family you have! Happy New Year. Just wanted to say that I just adore your blog and would love to feature you some way in 2014 over on Mystery Case.
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:43 amThank you so much! All the best for 2014!
🙂
Christine says
12/31/2013 at 9:07 amSuch incredible photos, I just love the monthly photos you put up. I need to start these next month. I also seen on Twitter that it is your birthday today ::::::::
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!
Enjoy your day and all the best for 2014 Tammi
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:43 amThank you Christine!!
🙂
Jessica says
12/31/2013 at 9:08 amLovely, great pics and such a beautiful family! Happy New Year!
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:44 amThanks Jessica – Happy New Year!
🙂
Mascha says
12/31/2013 at 9:10 amBeautiful family in nice pictures…
Best wishes for the New Year from distant Germany 🙂
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:44 amThanks Mascha, Happy new Year from Canada!!!
Angela says
12/31/2013 at 9:38 amI love that your month included both the beach and the snow!
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:45 amHa, I know!! It was nice to escape the cold in December!
Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen says
12/31/2013 at 9:41 amWishing you the best in the new year 🙂
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:45 amHappy New Year Randa!!
🙂
brett says
12/31/2013 at 10:02 amsounds like a pretty great december for all of you!! you girls are beautiful
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:46 amThank you so much – Happy New Year!
Jeannette says
12/31/2013 at 10:17 amIt looks like you had an amazing December! Such great photos!
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:46 amThanks Jeannette, it was a great month in memories. Happy New Year to you!!
Bev says
12/31/2013 at 10:39 amIt’s been a great year for you! Congrats! Happy New Year!
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:46 amThanks Bev – Happy New Year!!!
Amber Edwards says
12/31/2013 at 10:58 amWhat an amazing December you had! I’m uber jealous of your trip to the beach and warmth! We are covered in a few feet of snow and have been all month long. I could definitely use some warm beach time!
Tammi says
01/02/2014 at 8:47 amI hear ya, we’ve had record snowfall, so much!!!! Escapes are needed for sure!
Happy New Year!
mel says
12/31/2013 at 3:47 pmWhat great photos! Only the best for the New YEar!!
Tammi says
01/01/2014 at 9:21 amThanks Mel – all the best to you!!
🙂
[email protected] says
12/31/2013 at 6:08 pmYour holiday photos are amazing!
Tammi says
01/01/2014 at 9:21 amThanks Joyce, Happy New Year!!
Amber says
12/31/2013 at 6:38 pmWhat sweet pictures! Happy New Year!
Tammi says
01/01/2014 at 9:22 amThanks Amber, Happy New Year to you!!
🙂
Tabitha P says
01/01/2014 at 6:46 amGreat memories to end the year off with! I should start to do this, maybe it will get me taking more pics 🙂 Happy New Year!
Tammi says
01/04/2014 at 7:51 amYou should! This makes me take it out for more everyday things for sure!
posh says
01/01/2014 at 9:20 amWonderful photos! I love the bath tub with the feet.
Happy New Year!
Tammi says
01/04/2014 at 7:52 amThank you, Happy New Year!
Tammi says
01/01/2014 at 9:21 amThanks Patricia, Happy New Year to you – let’s make it a great one!!!
🙂
Deborah / Mom2Michael says
01/01/2014 at 4:13 pmI do love this idea and think I”ll start it with the new year. Why not!
Tammi says
01/04/2014 at 7:53 amYou need to Deb!! I love doing it!
😉
Amie Gaudet says
01/02/2014 at 4:17 amGreat pics
Tammi says
01/04/2014 at 7:54 amThanks Amie!!
🙂
Nicole W. says
01/02/2014 at 10:10 amGreat photos – love the little feet! Happy New Year!
Tammi says
01/04/2014 at 7:54 amThanks Nicole – Happy New Year to you as well!!
caryn s says
01/02/2014 at 10:22 amI love your pictures tammi! Your girls are so gorgeous! P.S. I love elf on the shelf too. The kids love waking up each morning to find him.
Tammi says
01/04/2014 at 7:56 amYES!! It’s all in their magic – we do many things we’d rather not. But for them, we do!!
Thanks Caryn and Happy New Year!!
🙂
Darlene Schuller says
01/02/2014 at 12:00 pmSuch beautiful girls! 2013 was very nice to you many many wishes for an even better 2014!! Thank you for sharing your family & yourself with us this past year (that I’ve been visiting), it is so neat watching your girls grow with each shot!
Tammi says
01/04/2014 at 7:57 amThanks Darlene – you are the best!! I thank you for reading and commenting – nice to always see your name on my posts – thank you!!! 😉
brooke says
01/03/2014 at 2:37 pmDecember is one of my favourite months! Although busy and hectic, seeing friends and family makes it all worth it! It looks like you had a super fun, yet productive December! Way to go!
Tammi says
01/04/2014 at 7:57 amI agree!! Now may January be full of relax cause I’m exhausted!!
🙂
Betty S says
01/04/2014 at 5:04 pmI love your pictures and hearing about you adventures with your girls. Enjoy every minute, as they grow older very fast.
Holly says
01/05/2014 at 2:04 amYour girls look so much like you! Such a beautiful family. Looks like you had a fun-filled month! Lovely photos.
Happy New Year, Tammi!