Well, I must say, we’ve got the holiday festivities in full swing over here!
Our weekend was filled from start to finish, kicking things off with a little gingerbread house decorating.
I wound up buying the pre-assembled house kit without realizing it, which I actually didn’t mind. The boys are impatient enough as it is, so it definitely worked in our favor for them to be able to just start decorating right away. And although Alex gave up a few minutes into it, Lucas and I had some fun finishing things up!
Saturday happened to be my brother’s birthday, so we had him and his girlfriend Carissa over for a little brunch. On the menu? My favorite egg bake (<–such an old post!) and cinnamon rolls.
Yummmm.
Happy birthday, Uncle Dan!!
Later in the afternoon, we started working on the dough for our cut out sugar cookies (I’ve become quite the fan of THESE since there’s no chilling required!).
Come evening time, and it was party time! Lucas was invited over to a friend’s house for a little Christmas get-together, so we dropped him off to that and then headed over with Alex to his daycare Christmas party.
Santa comes to the party every year, and some of you may remember that Alex does not have a great track record when it comes to his Santa encounters. As evidenced HERE, HERE, and HERE. But although he wouldn’t agree to sit on his lap, he DID manage to get close enough to him to talk!
We’re making progress, friends.
Sunday eventually rolled around, and we got things started with some brunch with Santa at one of our favorite spots (Juniors, for the locals!).
And I mean, what’s brunch without mimosas, right?
Cheers to that, not only because they’re delicious BUT because I was able to have mimosas twice over the weekend without feeling like I was having a reaction to the prosecco. Go figure? No clue.
Anyway. Brunch. I ordered this Farmer’s Scramble thing, which was filled with basically everything but the kitchen sink, and it was incredible.
And I am all sorts of obsessed with this pic of the boys with Santa. Never thought I’d see a smile like that from Alex being that close to Santa (he wouldn’t stand next to him though, only Lucas!).
A little later in the afternoon, we got to decorating those sugar cookies that we cooked up the day before.
And by decorating, Alex meant ‘eat all the frosting.’
And I must say, I think I may have had more fun decorating then the boys did.
So festive!
Then, to wrap up the weekend, the boys went out for a few hours with my parents on Santa’s Magical Express (via Yankee Trails) to help “save Christmas.” It’s a pretty popular local thing here during the holidays, and while Jay and I have never been, my mom and brother actually brought Lucas a couple of years ago while Alex was in the PICU. My parents said they all had a great time!
So while they were off having fun, I finished up a little more baking (including my favorite Dark Chocolate Turtle Graham Bars & these cookies)…
Did a little more wrapping, and Jay cooked us the most delicious strip steaks for dinner.
Probably the best steaks he’s ever made. SO. Good.
And THAT was a wrap on our festive weekend activities!
Kelli Rudolph says
This feels so weird since I don’t actually “know” your family – even though reading your blog for years makes me feel like I know them! But, your mom looks amazing!!!
Courtney says
Haha that’s not weird at all! She DOES, doesn’t she?? We’re so proud of her!! <3
Lauri says
The cookies look delicious but honestly your mom looks beyond amazing!!!! She should be so incredibly proud of herself!!!!
Courtney says
Thanks Lauri!! We’re ALL super proud of her! :)
Sara says
I’m a rare commenter but long time reader and am blown away by your mom! She looks amazing! Go Courtney’s mom!
Melissa says
Echoing everyone else’s comments! I’ve read you since the beginning and your mom looks fantastic! I’m so thrilled for her!
Glad Alex is getting more comfortable with Santa, although I have to say, I get it! Sitting on a stranger’s lap is not normal! haha
XOXO
Donna Mason says
Oh my goodness Courtney your baking skills are AMAZING!!!! You all look incredible. Happy Holidays!!!!!!
Ashley says
agree your Mom looks amazing! How did she do it?
Lauren says
Long time follower here – your mom looks AMAZING!! Merry Christmas to your beautiful family!
Leighann says
Your mom looks wonderful! Can you share how she lost her weight? Know you must be so proud of her!
Mandee says
Came here to say the same thing as a commenter above. Feel like I know everyone through pics & blog posts since I’ve been reading from the beginning. Your mom has always been a very pretty woman but I can tell she’s gotten more fit, and we all know the hard work that takes. Good for her!
Mama Pat says
Again, thank you all so much for the compliments!! You’ve made my day 🙏
Julie says
I love that the juice for the mimosas came in squeeze bottles, like a condiment, meant to just splash a tiny bit in the glass. The correct way to drink a mimosa, especially a week before Christmas, for sure haha
ErikaMC says
I’ve always thought your mom looked beautiful and she still does but that smile – she just shines and she looks amazing.
I have yet to do my Christmas baking. Need to do that this weekend!
My daughter is just a little older than Alex and won’t sit on Santa’s lap either – she just stands back at a safe distance and stares at him.
Meg says
If this isn’t too personal or weird a question – would you consider doing a post on how your mom lost weight? Or tips she might have on getting started? She looks (and also looked before) incredible!
Julie says
Love all the festivities! You are such an incredible baker, your boys look adorable and, as I’ve commented before, your mom looks FAB! What a way to ring in the new year. Cheers!
Patricia says
Your mother looks so beautiful! So proud and happy for her.
Bonus— your brother’s hat-let’s go Mets!
Mary Burns says
Your boys are so cute! What a fun weekend! We’re going to try to do the Santa visit this weekend. I’m excited to be volunteering at her kindergarten class party tomorrow. It should be fun and crazy!;) Have a wonderful weekend!
Heather says
Wow, your Mom!!!! She should be so proud of herself!
Question, what icing recipe do you follow for cookie decorating or do you go with store bought?
Steph says
I would also like to know your cookie icing secrets!
Diane says
I agree with the others and you deserve to hear from all your fans! I love the ‘uncommercialness’ (is that a word? Of your blog), watching your sweet boys grow, and following your day to day life. You are a dynamic, talented young woman. Aaaaaaaand your mom who was always beautiful looks healthy and happy.
Cindy R says
Your mom looks fantastic! Any chance she would do a guest blog talking about wby she decided to lose weight and how she did it?
Melissa says
Such great ways to ring in the holidays! Happy Holidays to you and your family!