Traditions

Our little shopping weekend in Spokane has come to mean several things to me.


1.  Beautiful, beautiful, lovely things to look at (including handbags at Nordstrom which I didn't photograph because, well you know- its Nordstrom).  I loved this black and white tree.


Spokane 2008 black and white tree2008-12-05 


2. A "blue mirror" picture.


Spokane 2008 blue mirror2008-12-05 


3.  At least one self-taken group shot (missing my Aunt). We were going to get our picture taken with Santa, but then the thought of sitting on the lap of some creepy, unknown costumed man, as a full-grown adult woman made us opt for this frame instead.  Much wiser indeed.


Spokane 2008 lisa jen lib2008-12-05 


4. Yummy, yummy food at Clinkerdager's. A seafood kebab on top of garlic mashed potatoes.  Some bread with artichoke/crab dip, their famous pea salad and Riesling were also consumed in mass quantities.


Spokane 2008 dinner2008-12-06 


4. (cont.) Creme Brule- 'nuff said.


Spokane 2008 creme brulee2008-12-06 


5.  Something silly and fun.  As in: shots of Jagermeister in the hotel room.  If you know me, you would know that shots of anything make me nervous.  I still get that "we're gonna get in trouble for this" kind of feeling in my stomach.  My Aunt assured me that Jager is medicinal and will never give you a hangover or make you sick.  I told myself to believe her.  Never underestimate the power of a wee bit of  alcohol to alleviate the stress of holiday crowds.  Emphasis on the wee bit.


Spokane 2008 yagermeister2008-12-06 


6.  Good times.  Because my Mom died over 15 years ago now...I don't get to do this kind of thing very often.  Boy, do I look forward to it. The whole female bonding thing is really vital to me.  A wide range of topics were covered in conversation: fake breasts, Alaskan Men (inside joke), sugar addictions, love languages, child rearing, memory loss, childbirth, hairdos, God's love, and many other equally stimulating thoughts and ideas.   


Spokane 2008 jenny and vicky2008-12-06 


Not only did I come home totally refreshed (if that can be possible after spending gobs of money and walking miles and miles up and down the mall), but also my shopping is nearly done!  So now, let the wrapping begin.


Thanks to my Tante, Jenny, Lisa and my Husband (who successfully navigated a weekend with empty cupboards, birthday parties, and three emotional daughters) for making this weekend filled with more memorable traditions.

Decorating

It is starting to look a bit more festive around here.  I am not one of those "decorate the day after Thanksgiving (or before)" kind of people.  I know this sounds Scroogie but I have a really low level of tolerance for clutter.  Usually by December 26th, I am ready to sweep every decoration off of every surface and cram them back into their boxes. If I wait until mid-December I can really enjoy it without getting overstimulated.


Bananagrams2008-12-01


So, the girls and I have been doing festive little projects here and there (between exhilarating games of Bananagrams and hallway bowling).


Hallway bowling2008-12-01 


This year, I am feeling a little "Old World/Homespun/Tartan plaid" when it comes to decorating.  Last year we did the bright and crazy pink tinsel stuff.  Every year is different.  I love changing it up.


Stringing2008-12-02 


This little stringing party lasted a couple of hours yesterday. I consider it a success despite the squirts of cranberry juice on clothing, and frequent consumption of the crafty medium (aka. Cheerios).


The girls really wanted to decorate the tree.  I let them.  You should see it.  Too painful to photograph.  There are no decorations on the top 1/3 of the tree, and the remaining ornaments are clumped together in akward groups down below.  It was just killing me to leave it as it was.  I struck a deal with them, however. Let me decorate the tree, and I'll clean your room for you and string some lights up above your bed. 


Sold.


Emma at bedtime2008-12-04 


Hannah at bedtime2008-12-04 


Laurel at bedtime2008-12-04 


Bedtime was a bit more magical tonight.  Here's to re-decorating the tree while they are sleeping soundly!