Christmas is only a couple days away, and I can’t believe how fast this month has flown by! In addition to the holiday season, there’s always a lot to celebrate in our family during this month because both Dan and I have our birthdays, and I love that people come together more during the holidays and the end of the year. This year has had its share of challenges with a tough pregnancy as well as navigating Mio’s tumultuous toddlerhood, but as I spend time with family and friends and reflect back on the year, I know that I have so much to be grateful for! Good health, wonderful friends and relatives both near and far, and our growing family that brings smiles and laughter to every day. And of course, there’s so much to look forward to in this coming year and beyond!

Some pictures from the past couple weeks, as we wrap up the year…

After her last art class!
Mio after her final art class at the local rec center. She thoroughly enjoyed her 8 weeks of arts and crafts!

 

"Here you go, penguin!"
She pressed one of her crafts against the inflatable penguin, saying “Here you go, penguin!”

 

Dan and I at the Kennedy Center
We enjoyed a delicious dinner on the Roof Terrace followed by a performance of Shear Madness at the Kennedy Center. It was a holiday event with Dan’s company and was nice to get an evening out without parenting responsibilities for once!

 

Celebrating Dan's 31st birthday!
Celebrating Dan’s 31st birthday on the 13th!

 

"Happy birthday Daddy!"
“Happy birthday Daddy!” Mio was so excited to help Dan blow out the candles.

 

Group photo of the girls at Ashly & Danny's housewarming!
With the girls at Ashly & Danny’s housewarming party!

 

Congratulations Ashly and Danny on the beautiful new home!
Congratulations Ashly and Danny on the beautiful new home!

 

An early birthday dinner , complete with amazing desserts!
An early birthday dinner out last week with some girlfriends, complete with amazing desserts! Thank you Michelle for planning it. Can’t believe I’ve known these ladies for 15 years!

 

Mimi knows me so well. Love this nail polish set!
Mimi knows me so well. Love this nail polish set! It has all the perfect shades, especially for the holidays.

 

So many cute crafts and gifts brought home from preschool today! Now the dilemma is how to keep the chubster occupied during winter break...
Mio brought home so many cute crafts and gifts from preschool! Now the dilemma is how to keep the chubster occupied during winter break…

 

Mio's very own My Dear Darling penguin
Mio’s very own My Dear Darling penguin! Thank you so much Akiyo for such a beautiful handmade gift.

 

Mio was in love!
Mio was in love!

 

A sweet video of Mio playing with her penguin doll: