Despite having five days off, I am exhausted and totally not ready to go back to work tomorrow. I’ve been fighting a migraine and head cold and do not feel like moving. Thank goodness it’s a short week! I hosted Christmas Eve this year, and went with lasagna, sausage stuffed mushrooms (recipe coming soon), Spinach Cheese Squares, chips and dip, that seven layer dip that is floating around the interwebs and shaped liked a wreath (don’t do it), a Broccoli Quinoa Salad, Garlic Bread Fantastique, and way too many desserts.
Santa came around on the fire trucks, which is one of my favorite Christmas Eve happenings (and that the kids have missed the past two years), but neither would pose with him.
#CantWinThemAll
Christmas Day was at my parents’ house with baked ham, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, dips galore (a weakness!), and again, way too many desserts.
That apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
This year, the kids used their own money to buy each other presents, and it was the sweetest thing in the world to see how much care and thought went into the selections. One of Maddie’s presents for me came via a teacher at school. She overheard her teacher talking to another teacher about some soaps and gift items that she sells, and Maddie and a friend slyly went up to her to broker her own deal. TOO CUTE. 
Eloise. The baby of the family, and always willing to pose for the camera.
Books were one of the main things that was on Madeline’s Christmas list, along with fuzzy socks. She’s already finished three of them, and she wasn’t even here yesterday! 
My oldest niece, Sophie, another voracious reader, got a Kindle for Christmas, which was the perfect gift for her.
Totally my new favorite way to gift Christmas Eve pajamas. 
Harry (on the couch) letting Herschel Walker get this close to him is like a Christmas miracle (can you tell by the disgruntled expression?!). Ever since he was viciously attacked last year (requiring emergency surgery) by two other dogs, unfortunately Harry is no longer “dog friendly.” Luckily he tolerates Herschel and they co-exist.
It’s hard to tell in the picture, but this cake is dusted with sparkly silver glitter and it was GORGEOUS. Totally my new favorite dessert. The frosting is Peppermint Buttercream, and the inside was Red Velvet. Delish.
Hope your holiday was full of awesome. xo
I can’t believe how much the kids have grown since I last saw them! Glad to see you all had a great Christmas. It’s been too long, my friend. Also, that cake is amazeballs.
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah’s Cucina Bella) recently posted..How to Pack More Healthful Lunches for Work