our christmas

 Gwen decorated the tree by herself this year.

Nice pajamas Gwen, how high do those go?

The Christmas Elf came on Christmas Eve and delivered these pajamas. Cute little monkeys.

Santa came.

Gwen got a camera.

Laine got a clementine. You're so lucky Lainey.

like Dora

For weeks Gwen has been begging me to get her hair cut. She wanted it cut like Dora's. "up to here (pointing to her ears), to here (pointing to her neck), and to here (pointing to her forehead). Sounds great Gwen, but I don't exactly look to Dora the Explorer for fashion and beauty inspiration. Sure, a pink shirt showing a little belly, little orange shorts, yellow ruffly socks and a purple backpack all sound like worthy wardrobe choices (to a 3 year old). And Dora's monkey sidekick's choice of red boots is very fashion forward and stylish . But fashion icons? I think not. But that's what Gwen wanted. So yesterday we made an appointment and went to get her Dorafied. She marched in and told the girl what she wanted. "I want it like Dora's."  I told her a-line and stacked in the back. The girl then braided Gwen's hair, and whacked it off....it was long enough to donate. They cut off 10 inches just for the donation. When she was done, Gwen looked in the mirror, smiling. "I look like Dora!" She was so excited. "But mom, I need a backpack!" Uh huh, Gwen, sure thing. Right after we track down a blue and yellow monkey.

#7

It's that time of year again. Anniversary time. #7. Seems like a lot to us for some reason. Seven years is a long time. We've been reminiscing a bit about our the last 7 years. Our first apartment (it was haunted...seriously), splurging to get Chili's chips and salsa for a treat when we were poor college students, the road trips (we've had some doozies -  thanks Dean and Zola (that's another post), 2 girls, a few fights, lots of laughter, and tons of love.