Woof Woof!

I wanted a holiday project last week for Chase and I to do together. He's a little young to help with people cookies so I thought that doggy cookies would be something that he could help with and they certainly don't have to be "perfect." So, I borrowed a recipe from my photo friend Amy Lucy and we spent an entire afternoon measuring, mixing, cutting and baking. Well, actually, I  spent the afternoon measuring, mixing, cutting and baking while Chase stepped in for a few rolls and stolen bites of the dough.

In the end we made over 250 cookies for our doggy friends...I was wiped! Next year I'm hoping Chase will take a little more interest in the actual helping part of doggy cookie day!

Santa Flew In Early...

On Sunday, Erin & I took the kids to see Santa fly in on his personal helicopter for a quick visit before he heads back to the North Pole to finish up last minute Christmas details. Most people think that Santa only takes the Reindeer out from the North Pole, but for quick trips he sometimes likes to hop on his helicopter...the Reindeer like to get their rest, you know!

Skylar and Chase had a great time although Chase was mainly interested in seeing the helicopter....man, that kid loves transportation! After Santa landed, he sat with the kids for a few pictures. Chase wanted to cry at first but he stayed strong and ended up having a nice chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus regarding the fireplace (he had to make sure that they knew it was very HOT)!

I did get a picture of Chase sitting on Santa's lap but I have to scan it in still...will post when I do!

 Every good elf needs a little Chase kiss :)

Hanging out at the park after Santa's visit...happy kid!



Toys For Tots - Pulliam Style!

Once again the Pulliams completely outdid themselves on their annual Christmas party. They had amazing food, decor, a real mountain cut Christmas tree, and the cutest Gingerbread theme to tie it all together. From the cupcakes, to the cookie decorating station to the lovely parting gifts, Stephine really put a lot of sweet touches into make it a great kid-friendly event! And of course it all benefited Toys for Tots with gifts brought by the party goers.

The pics below are from Erin...I was camera free that night...on accident, of course ;).

Skylar & Chase trying to steal a toy or two :)

The hosts with the mosts!

Baby To Be (or Chasella as I like to call her til we settle on a name!) was there too. I just had my 20 week ultrasound. Everything looks great and we got some more fun pics of her...

 Yup..still a girl!

 Isn't it wild how defined her hand below is?



Our Early Christmas...Blogged Late!

Sorry for the delay but it has been a busy couple of weeks over here! Over Thanksgiving while my mom and Chuck were in town, we had an early Christmas since I won't see my them for the real deal. I have to get these pics up before my Grandma thinks I am not posting on purpose :). We had a great dinner out and came home to Christmas music and gifts...Chase really got into tearing the paper open but was happiest with his firetruck ornament that his Nana gave him. It's the little things in life that make us happy!

 Our little elf...

 Cars! His Fav!

 Baby to Be received a Moby wrap. Of course I had to try it out with Chase. He LOVED it ;)

 And a sneak peak of Chase's holiday pic...



Happy Thanksgiving...With A Side Of Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you all are having a wonderful day filled with family, love and great food (too much perhaps? :)). I am so thankful for my family and friends who add so much happiness to my life. This year I am especially thankful for all of our family and friends who care for Chase like he is one of their own. Chase is one loved little guy and it brings me great joy to know that there are people who care for him deeply and who I can rely on for support and guidance as we raise this little guy. And baby Chasella (no, we haven't settled on a name for baby to be yet :)) is so very lucky to be coming into this world surrounded by so much love. Thank you to each and every one of you.

This year, my mom and her boyfriend Chuck came to town to celebrate with us at our home. Mike's parents and sister came as well and we had a wonderful FEAST of all of the turkey day norms plus two of my favorite recipes, Black Bottom Peanut Butter Mousse Pie and Butternut Squash Bread Pudding. The pie has been a long standing favorite and the pudding was new this year....both are highly addictive so try the recipes out only if you are prepared to down massive amounts of calories in one itty-bitty serving!

Chase ran around most of the day just happy to play with everyone at the house, especially our visiting furry friend Lila. I know Chase loves Rigley, but he seems to really love Lila! He was so worn out that he was in bed by 7:15...stuffed full of potatoes and pie.

Because I won't see my mom for Christmas, we decorated the house early (like, last week early, we were the over excited nerds on the street with our Christmas lights in full effect) so that we can celebrate "Christmas" tomorrow. How lucky are we?! The pics below are from my favorite year of decorating thus far, because I had little guy to help out. Mike did his duty of taking everything down from storage and putting up the tree. He followed up all of his hard work with a glass of scotch while I did the rest (which is fine by me since I am a little OCD with the decorations). Chase did his best to help (or climb the step ladder and laugh) until he tuckered out and went to bed. He woke up to lots of LIGHTS! and was so excited by the decorations. His cuteness about it all was unreal. Thus far LIGHTS! are his favorite, followed closely by random snowmen that we see. Apparently he hasn't gotten the memo about how cool Santa is!

Whew...long post from me, guess I had a lot to share...enjoy the pics!

xoxo