Deck the Halls

Cecily has had a lot of fun discovering all the decorations that come with Christmas! She was a big helper to mommy and daddy as they decorated the house!

Here is Cecily discovering the "Kissing Ball." Kissing Balls are big traditions in Rory's family. Rory's mom has a kissing ball for most holidays- and just like mistletoe, if you get caught under the ball with someone -- you owe them a smooch! This Kissing ball was made for us by Rory's mom, it features geometric shapes and kittens... two of Rory's favorite things.

Oh, Christmas Tree. After last year we decided that with Jen's allergies being what they are... it wasn't worth the misery of having a real tree. Thankfully we were given this beautiful tree this year, and the fun thing is... this will be our tree for years to come. (Thanks to Julie Coury!)

"How do the lights get tangled every year? Here let me help you!"

We enjoyed some festive holiday chai. We like to make them using our handy dandy espresso maker. Jen's mug is the snowflake one, Rory's is Sylvester. Rory loves his Sylvester mug, Jen doesn't like to use it because the mug isn't soothing enough, how can you relax with a cat looking at you like that? Rory does not use his mugs to sip relaxing tea, he mostly enjoys hot beverages loaded with sugar...and he loves cats.

A mug that brings sugar and cats together... you can't go wrong!
Here is our daughter showing off how useful her eight teeth are.

Here is an artistic shot of the holiday decorations. This one is of our special snow globe. Jen got to pick it out-- it's from her Aunt Toni as a wedding present. She chose this one because she liked the little family, it reminded her of the Hartshorne clan growing up, and thought who knows? - She and Rory might have a little family that looks like this one in the future. Based on the snow globe... one kid down... two to go??? (We'll see)

Cecily in the Christmas boxes. So much fun!

Here mommy let me help you take these back off the tree!

Our decorations have a red and gold theme, and we especially like stars. Rory really likes stellated icosahedrons (stars made from a certain geometric shape), so we collect them.