girls' day in

Girls' Day In is the new Girls' Night Out. Catcher is spending a few days before Christmas with his grandmother in Houston. Alex is in Seattle. That leaves the girls and me alone to sleep in (I wish!), drink hot cocoa for breakfast (true story) and dance on the coffee table (don't tell the boys).

against the wind

After Scout's big show yesterday the girls took a spin around (windy) Butler Park.

getting ready for the big show

If you're a parent with children in school, then I don't have to tell you that this has been a busy week. I think the challenge is to see how many programs and parties we can cram in before school lets our for winter break. But who am I kidding? I love this time of year. Bring on the busy.

This is Scout getting ready for her big show at the Explore Arts Preschool today:

And the big show:

*There are no pictures from Catcher's debut as a donkey in his Celebrations program at school because Tillie fell asleep in my arms, and I couldn't maneuver the camera around a sleeping baby.

holiday lights, part two

Our theme of good old-fashioned family fun continued last night as we drove through Austin neighborhoods in search of 2013's best light displays. For your viewing pleasure...

holiday lights, part one

Forever in search of some "good old-fashioned family fun," I spearheaded a trip to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center last night to have the family take in the spirit of the holidays and enjoy the Luminations. The gardens were lighted. There were carolers, women in Santa hats dancing with each other and Frosty the snowman. There was also kettle corn (for a small fee) which kept the little ones busy and made them forget that it was a mere 35 degrees outside. But all sarcasm aside, it was quite festive and pretty amazing. I would rather stroll through the lighted gardens of the Wildflower Center than the overly garish Trail of Lights in Zilker Park any day of the week.

In case you're wondering, I, too, am wondering what in the [blank] Scout was wearing. She insisted on dressing as a cheerleader (this is after she wore her bathing suit all day) so there's that. Also...check out the look of sheer terror on her face as she and Catcher are posing with Frosty. I can't blame her, though. He was pretty freaking scary. Check him out in the crowd shot.