With the celebration of our 5th wedding anniversary, I officially feel like the “holiday season” has kicked off in our house. We have begun the mad, whirling decent into my most favorite time of the year; “Oct-Nov-Ember” as you might say. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. I’m an unapologetic lover of the holidays, ain’t no shame in my game so to say.
I try hard not to jump ahead to the granddaddy of them all (Christmas, and ok fine, New Years Day bowl games, or one in particular), but this weekend B and I bought our holiday airfare to spend Christmas with my family out in Utah and I’m over the moon excited. Nothing compares to Christmas in the mountains (insert GIF of Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen singing “Snow!”) and that has me really excited for the trip home, particularly because I’m going to to use a big chunk of my extra paid time off (thanks 5 year work anniversary!) to spend a whole week at home, a feat not accomplished since 2006. Anyway. It is making it hard to focus on the current: Halloween!
In an effort to get my head back in the game, we let Gracie pick out a pumpkin at the grocery store and after her nap, we let her paint it. She’s very tidy (sometimes, she has zero qualms about throwing food or toys willy nilly) and wanted me to wipe her hand off between each color choice. Serious baby artist. She had a great time and now points to her “punkin” on the mantle whenever she comes in the living room.
Next weekend we have grand plans to head to a pumpkin patch (complete with pony rides and a mini corn maze for the wee feet) and we will pick out a pumpkin to carve. I’m anticipating her mind being blown, which ensures Gracie will feel very ho-hum about the endeavor.
I’m also in the midst of costume decision making. We have two options: a very adorable borrowed owl costume, or Mama making an owl costume, with the help of a very, very talented friend. Either way, please expect a “hoot hoot” picture in the coming weeks. Sorry not sorry.
And try as I might to focus on Halloween and all things spooky, I do have a few lists going for Thanksgiving. Our guest list is growing this year so there is more to do- such as procuring a card table and figuring out a table linen situation, in addition to my usual menu making. I have been making a pumpkin-chocolate cheesecake for years for Thanksgiving, but this year I’m tempted to make a pumpkin pie and a plain cheesecake and provide hot fudge and salted caramel toppings for everyone to use as they please. I also need to order our turkey asap- gotta secure the main event- and head out to Costco to buy 10 lbs of flour and equally obscene amounts of sugar.
Anyway, that is all we have here. Happy holidays y’all.
