Christmas with all the Kids & Grandkids Too!

Thanks to Justin and Kate for hosting our family Christmas event at their warm and cozy apartment. 

Especially since Kate will be adding one more to the gang in February!

I have to share this picture of Cassidy because the following pictures are not as flattering! 

Okay, This is how we were all greeted- not thrilled!

(sorry about the picture quality- I think i was laughing too much!)

Yes, she warmed up!

"I guess they're not going away"

But soon was having a great time :)

On the other hand, her brother Ben never needs warming up, 

especially when Chris is around.

Or anyone who wants to play!

Lots of gift opening

(yes, that's a hamburger bank)

Clean-up crew

Boys and their Legos

Boys and their Legos

Christmas Morning

The scene has changed from the days the kids were young, 

but there are still gifts, paper, smiles . & hugs.

Natural beauty

 Comics

All things Corvette

Paper is the best part

Snuggles

needs

"spiritual"

Did I mention- all things Corvette?

Ken's custom wrapping

Clean-up time

Home for Christmas

Let's start the Christmas blogs with the 

traditional Christmas Eve pictures in front of the tree.

Prim is actually posing!

So happy to have three of our kids home this year!

Of course we can't be serious for too long!

Awkward

No Prim was not taking this picture. Although she may have done a better job. 

Propping the camera & setting the timer is always a challenge.

Don't forget Sadie!

Event Decor Designer - Newbie or A Patriotic Christmas

I had the opportunity to decorate for our USO Christmas party with Amy, another volunteer. The whole event was Pinterest inspired, with our own interpretation of course!

We started in November and after a few shopping trips and a few craft nights we were ready to transform the Base Club into a magical space.

We started by making 7,  24" wreaths to hang in the dining area. 

We wanted a patriotic theme yet still Christmasy.

We even made our own bows. 

We followed a Pinterest tutorial for the Perfect Christmas Bow.

We were proud!

The centerpieces started with a Pinterest fail. 

We tried watered down glue with glitter and ended up with a cloudy clumpy creation. 

Fortunately, we bought some spray that looks like ice 

so we tried that, with the glitter and the mason jars were captivating. 

We just added a votive, some fresh greens, a few berry picks, 

a few sprayed pine cones and a few small gold stars.

All set upon a cardboard cake tray (Amy bakes) 

We made two pots for the fireplace hearth. 

Amy had lighted silver twigs and berries from her wedding a few years ago, 

I sprayed a bunch of pinecones with snow, that I had collected for Kate's babyshower. (recycle) 

So we filled these two jars (that I got on clearance at the ChristmasTree shop for $6.50 each), 

with pine boughs and all the above. 

They were really gorgeous, the pictures don't really do them justice.

We wanted some glitz for the horse devours table and totally got this idea from Pinterest.

We used battery tealights because the candles were exposed.

Amy put this last part together- it looked amazing.

And An honorable mention, 

these snowmen made their fourth appearance at a winter holiday party.

I made them last Christmas for the Children's Christmas party.

They just needed a little primping and some new noses.

By the way, they are about 6 ft tall! 

Amy and I had a lot of fun!

Shower Power!

Kate had two showers this past weekend, one given by her mom and family and 

the second by Shelley, myself & our girls. 

Obviously, she received many much needed baby items. Thanks to all who attended.

We had our shower at Donna Eicke's on Charles St in Lockport. 

After much cyber-planning between: Chicopee, MA, Lyndonville, NY, Victor, NY, Worcester, MA, and Lockport NY, we ended up with an event that we were all pleased with!

Enjoy the pictures, Danielle and Gabby did a phenomenal job with the decor and favors- 

you girls are the best!

Along with sugar scrub favors, gold painted feather name tags, and 

various unique shower decor items were fall items foraged from the woods, by yours truly! 

Good thing I walk the dog twice a day. 

Hoping to see Danielle do a blog on all the creative decorations!

Hoping to see Heather blog on the shower as well. The pictures will be excellent as always.

Look at these adorable cupcakes made by Denise Salmons. 

They tasted just as good as they looked!

Shelley and I appreciate all the effort these ladies put forth to make this a great shower for Kate.

We can't wait to meet Brielle!!!