Fantastic Saturday...

We had the best time one Saturday in February. Our math specialist, Mrs. H., has an Annual Mother-Daughter Cupcake Cookie Party around Valentine's Day. I saw the invitation in the Teacher's Lounge earlier in the week and thought it was too cute. I was trying to figure out how I could show up to the party. It sounded too fun. Clearly, I don't have a daughter. I am a daughter, so I thought about my mom. But, I also thought about taking my only niece, Kate. So, I grabbed Kate that morning and my mom met us at the house. 

I can't even begin to do it justice by describing it here. I should have taken better pictures, but I just didn't do a good job with that. Her house was decorated all out for Valentine's Day. Pink, Red, Hearts, and everything you can imagine. She had baked hundreds of cupcakes and cookies. She had made all the icing you could imagine. She had all the decorations you would ever find at Hobby Lobby. There were boxes for the desserts and crafts to decorate the boxes too. It was just too much. We had the BEST time ever. It was a nice slow morning of eating a great little breakfast snack that she had prepared, mingling with school (old) friends and meeting new friends. Kate had a lovely time, my mom had a fabulous time, and I'm dying to go back next year! Here are a few pictures of our adventure. 

Mom, Kate, & Myself 

Kate modeling her cupcake decorating skills with her cupcakes she had already designed!

My mom entertained herself by decorating one of the cupcake boxes. She loved it! <3

I had a hair appointment that afternoon to get my hair chopped off. I didn't know what I was going to do, but I had a few images pinned to my Pinterest board. I was going to a new lady at a new salon and was hoping for the best. Turned out, she was amazing and I loved it! Here I am, the new Emily! I'm such a short hair girl. I don't know why I was growing it out. I was CRAZY to think I could do long hair. This girl needs a bob. 

And, this is me...post haircut. Ah, soooooooo much better.
 I don't know why I thought I would grow it out.
I am just a short hair kind of gal. It's super cute and I LOVE IT! 

Christmas 2012

I love Christmas. I love the holidays and spending time with friends and family. It was fun for Chris and I to start new traditions. We built a gingerbread house together. He wasn't so sure about it, but he loved it and really enjoyed using his design interests and building abilities to help us make the most beautiful gingerbread house ever! 

Gingerbread Fun 2012

Four Christmases. We had to pack everything up and get organized for the next three days of fun. We spent part of the time in Bartlesville with Chris' parents. We spent time with his Dad and Glenda, while staying at the Price Tower, but we also made time to see his mom, Glenda, to do our little Christmas with her. It was a whirlwind few days, which we also had B'Elanna with us too. Wally isn't behaved enough to travel with us and stay in a hotel, so we left him with the kennel (whom he loves).

Packing up for the trip. B'Elanna is peeking at you here!

Standing outside of the Price Tower in Bartlesville

Inside, warm and cozy!

I haven't told you yet, but Chris is a Star Trek fan. He's modeling his new oven mitt!

After Bartlesville we headed back home to switch presents, drop off bags and the dog, and headed to my dad's for Christmas morning. We ate a nice breakfast, opened presents, and then relaxed a little before we went to my mom's for the afternoon and evening. It was a wonderful day and we were exhausted when we got home.

Thanksgiving 2012

One of the things I love about Chris are the sweet little hearts he makes me out of straw wrappers. Aren't they the cutest? 

So, Chris and I were officially a couple pretty soon after we started dating. Chris' parents are divorced like mine, which means holidays are going to be a challenge to see everyone and be everywhere. However, for Thanksgiving Chris always goes to see his dad, who happens to live in Washington, D.C. It was in September when he planned on taking me with him to Washington, D.C. for Thanksgiving. It was so exciting and I was looking forward to meeting his Dad and Teresa. We went to D.C. for four days and had a wonderful time. We were able to see some sights, eat at a restaurant that overlooked the White House, tour Arlington, eat wonderful food, drink great wine, and have good conversations with his family. It was a nice and small Thanksgiving for us. I can't wait to go back.