Our Family Christmas & Europe?!

I have to say that the best part of the holidays were spending time with my family.  If you follow my Instagram, you likely saw shenanigans that included everything from dancing, to snowmobiling, puppets, and snowman.  It was so much fun... and I just loved watching Ellie open her presents.  It was the first year that she actually understood that Santa comes and leaves presents.  She didn't really understand the whole idea of the elf on the shelf ("I want that boy.  Let me hold him."), so we are saving that one for next year.  (Note:  If you are looking for Elf ideas, you have to check out Belfy the Elf on Facebook!).

Here are some fun photos of our Christmas!

Ellie's horse.

Ellie's theater. 

Ellie's fish, Toby.   

I never did get a photo of our whole family with the tree... Note to self - do not forget to do that next year!

As for gifts, I ended up doing a gift "For Work" and "For Play" for my husband.  I purchased him some office decor for work, and a video game with his favorite snacks.  I think he really enjoyed that!  Although his gift could not be outdone - we will be going to Europe this coming 2016!  Specifically, Vienna, Austria and Venice, Italy!  I'll be sure to blog about it - but photos from the trip will be posted after (just for safety reasons).

Ellie ended up with a large plush pony from Santa, puppet theater with puppets, dolls (Elsa, Sophia, a dancing Cabbage Patch Baby), more play food, and Lincoln logs.  Oh, and I can't forget her new beta fish, Toby.  Our families were also very generous and she received all things Mickey and Minnie Mouse (including undies!) as well as a Winter Wonderland Thomas the Train Set.  If you have a two-year-old and are looking for birthday gifts or something for Easter - Ellie LOVED everything  - and asked for everything to be opened right away so she could play.

I hope everyone had a very Happy Holiday!  For those of you missing my fashion/beauty posts, I promise my next one will be less "lifestyle" and more beauty/fashion-related!