This past week has been a blur. I’m totally off my game. My routine has been shot to hell as far as running, blogging, eating and drinking are concerned. It’s been a whirlwind my friends and since I’m still bleary-eyed from all that has transpired, I thought it best to treat this post more like a picture book since that’s about all I can handle right now. Let’s ease back into this week, before the party starts again, shall we?
At the top of my holiday hit list has to be the boys opening their ultimate gift from Santa:
Seeing that reaction almost made me feel less guilty about buying my 4 1/2 year-olds a freakin video game they can’t even play. Six years ago I swore I would never even allow them to play video games, let alone be the giver of one made for seven year-olds. Ever. Parenting is rough like that. Don’t judge.
Then there was this sweet little stocking stuffer from the hubs:
Oh the places we will go!
I cannot wait to start filming more workout videos with this baby, not to mention running, biking and snowboarding. GoPro? Don’t mind if I do!
Another favorite gift came in shirt form, with a healthy does of sarcasm, from one of the only other Cuban girl I know:
Now I have permission. Thanks Hernandez!
And, of course, another favorite gift came via snail mail about three days prior to Christmas:
My Runnerbox! Dare I say this one was even better then two months ago? Yes I do! More on this in another post – I’m still eating my way through it.
Well, as they say, what goes up must come down. Crashing down, apparently. We all know those awesome family members who don’t have kids yet, but buy yours the worst dumbest most annoying ones on the planet? Yep, that would be my brother-in-law. His wife both apologized and warned me a few days before they bestowed these on the twins:
I don’t have to go into detail about what happened next, right? At least there was no blood or ER trips. My BIL got off lucky.
And then there was the food! Oh the food! Not sure why I only have pictures of desserts? Maybe because I scarfed down all the food so quickly…
I could just eat my way through this plate.
M+V made their first cookies in their Easy Bake Oven. Yes, Santa brought them one.
In my world, you have to try to balance all this eating with sweating. Luckily for me, I had the first annual Holiday Ridge Run planned for the Friday after Christmas. The idea came about by a friend of mine and started as a fundraiser in conjunction with the Salvation Army. Then we heard grumblings that the Salvation Army hates the gays and, of course, we don’t so we thought better of it and turned it into a fundraiser for our local YMCA. It was a blast! About 12 of my closest running friends showed up around 6pm, we suited up, lit up and ran around my hood for a few miles and then headed back in for wine and pizza. Perfection. We also raised about $300 for the cause. Not too shabby.
I also managed to get a great family shot! I can’t tell you how hard it is to do this with my kids but we did it:
What? Did you expect them to be looking at the camera AND smiling? Well that’s just silly.
Finally, like a beautiful angel cheese wheel on the top of my christmas tree, the Green Bay Packers played an unbelievable game against the Chicago Bears and made it to the playoffs! It was ugly at times for sure, but they did it, and this is what I looked like when they did:
As my friend Eddie said, “Mr. Rodgers did it again!”
Who’s ready for 2014? I AM!
How was your holiday? Did you get a favorite picture? Gift? Run?
Love it…I may need to get that runners box…looks awesome! Can’t wait to see what you bring for 2014- so inspired by you my friend! Happy New Year to you!
Thanks Shannon! You need the Runnerbox – you will love it – especially after all the racing you will be doing this year. Can’t wait!
Looks like you had an awesome week!!
Happy New Year, Allie!
It really was!! Thanks Alison.
LOVE IT! Sounds like you had an awesome time! Your boys are sooo cute! You can always count on the childless couple to give the annoying gifts for the kids. The GoPro cameras are so cool! We gave our son one a couple of Christmases ago. I’m so stoked for 2014!
I know, right? We put them in the garage and the boys forgot about them – whew!!
Maybe your son can teach me about the GoPro – it’s kind of intimidating 🙂
So much fun. Why isn’t there any video of the anarchy that must have occurred with that gift your BIL gave? I’d just have to hide those in my house. The desserts look so yummay. Congrats on raising 3k that is amazing!! Although blurry, you really did have a fantastic week and we missed you around here! Your family shot is fantastic and I LOVE that sweater!! 🙂 Happy New Year Allie!
Thanks so much Nellie! I was too busy screaming at the boys to take a proper video. We hid them in the garage as soon as we got home and they forgot all about them. For now.
That sweater is SO comfortable – Victoria’s Secret – who knew?
The GoPro is so cool- can’t wait to see some videos!
It is very cool and, so far, very easy to use! Can’t wait to really test it out 🙂
Loved this! Our J man will be over to help the boys figure out their game. Loved the ridge run, although it was more of a pathetic jog for me. It’s exactly what I needed to kick me back into gear! Thx!
It would be awesome to have Justin here to show them the ropes!! I figure I could get at least 30 minutes of “quiet time” out of that, right?
As for the ridge run – you were out there sweating so that totally counts!! Hope you and Mary can make time for walks around the hood now 🙂 It was great seeing you!
“Open it, Mommy! Please!” Oh, that melts my heart. So cute.
Love your photos and videos and descriptions.
And I’m hungry now.
To answer your question about favorite gifts/pictures, my post today illustrates it all!
Happy New Year, Allie!! 2014 will be the year for our CT convention!
I know – so freakin adorable! Cannot wait to read your post today!
We wil make a meet up happen for sure. 2014 is going to be a great one 🙂
nothing like the holidays to ruin the routine that we have worked all year to make 😉 looks like you had a great holiday break!!
I know!! I’m back on track today with an hour treadmill run – felt sooooo good that I didn’t even mind being on the treadmill. Weird. Thanks Jenn!
I’m totally off my game too! Not only did the lack of schedule/routine with the kids and the overabundance of holiday goodies wreak havoc, but I had a total bitch of a cold on top of it all. So, needless to say, I only ran a few times and can’t wait to shuttle my darling little angels back to daycare on Thursday so I can regain some normalcy in my life!!
Thanks for sharing your holiday highlights with us. Love all of the pics and hilarious descriptions! I’ve enjoyed my bloggy break, but I’m ready to jump back in later this week. I’ve missed all of my bloggy buddies, present company at the top of the list!
I feel like you’ve been sick forever so I can imagine how YOU feel! Hope you are much, much better my friend.
I’m looking forward to you getting back out here so I can read about what you’ve been up to! Miss you too xoxo
The video of the boys opening their gift is just so cute, but I LOVE the family pic. That’s the best.
Thanks Karen – they are hard to come by with two very “active” and silly boys.
I love watching kids open presents! I’ve never seen the gadget your hubs bought you. I’ll have to check that out. Hate to admit it but I kinda love the blow em up beat you up things. Of course, for other peoples kids. Not mine.
You will love GoPro cameras – easy to use, excellent quality and you can take them pretty much anywhere as they come with an air tight case.
Everyone loves those kinds of gifts for other people’s kids! You’ve given me a “re-gifting” idea Carla – thank you!!
Loved loved loved the pics of the kids opening presents. The “blur” that last week was seems to translate into lots of fun and great memories. It’s awesome that you were able to raise $300 buck for your local YMCA. It’s such a great organization.
Yes, blurry fun and eating for sure! The fun run was better then I expected. We may do another one in the Spring because, why not? Thanks Hope!
Your kids’ reaction to opening the present is the best. I love it. Amazing gifts for you too! And a GoPro?!? How fun!! I know what you mean – I’m totally off my game and feel like I have a gazillion things flying around in my head. I’m imagining that everything will magically calm down once it’s Jan. 1. that will happen, right?
Thanks Christine! I’m betting on the magic of the New Year as well. Let’s keep that delusion going, shall we?
Looks like a great holiday for your clan, Allie. We’ve had a fairly relaxing week, with the exception of a 7 mile family hike on Saturday. We only got lost a few times despite using my phone to track our route. Fortunately my kids have watched enough Man vs Wild to know that following water always leads back to civilization!
OMG that is awesome – now that you’re all ok of course! Thank goodness for Bear Grylls or whatever that other guys name is – yikes!!
Since Chanukah was at Thanksgiving, my holiday was pretty relaxing. Although Jay and I did take the little guy on a surprise trip to Legoland in San Diego and he went positively crazy when we told him. It’s been a great vacation (after getting over strep).
I’ve been a bit off my game as well but I’m already anxiety ridden about what I have in store for myself in 2014. Happy New Year to you and yours Allie!
Your family photo is adorable!
I loved your post for 2014 and I’m so excited for you. The trip to Legoland looked like an absolute blast…and with snow!? So glad you were able to relax after being sick. Let’s hope we’re leaving sickness in 2013.
I was just having the same video game conversation with a parent this morning while over at a play date… it’s a tough spot parents are put in. At this point L has no interest so I don’t have to think about it. But that reaction is precious!
It sure is. I discussed it years ago with a friend who has an older son. Her and her husband agreed on no video games…then he got older and none of his friends wanted to come to his house!! It’s crazy. My boys actually haven’t played since Christmas so I think it will be fine as long as I limit their time. Thanks Laura!
GoPro – want one for sure! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. After all the family time we had in the past two weeks, do you think I got one family picture? No. Mama fail, I guess! And woohoo for the Pack. Go Pack Go!
I’m beyond excited about the camera and really can’t wait to take it snowboarding! It’s definitely not a mom fail on the group picture – it’s SO hard wrangling them all up. We just happened to catch everyone at the right time and my dad had a camera. It was a small miracle.
Speaking of small miracles – YEAH Packers!!!! OMG what a game! Let’s hope they can continue this trend…
Love the video and the excitement of your little cuties!!! Video games aren’t all bad – my boys have learned much from them!!!
Jordan got a GoPro last year (he is into video making) but I think I might “borrow” it since he prefers his regular camera!!!
Awesome pictures!!
Thanks Kim! I’m surprised Jordan isn’t making movies with his – that’s interesting. You should use it to film your won 45’s!!
The boys haven’t played the game since Christmas day so I think it’s going to be fine in moderation. They need an adult to turn it on so…
You had an awesome holiday! I have to admit I’m in the same boat everything went by so quickly I hardly had a second to really take it all in. To be a kid again and get cool gifts like your sons have…I bet it’s been fun around your house! This year I think I really enjoy these new Kate spade pink gloves my mom bought me. I’ve never had a nice pair of leather gloves! Hope you have a happy new year!
Oooo Kate Spade leather gloves! Those sound amazing and I’m sure you wear them well. Can’t wait to read your post. I’ve missed you!!
Oh your boys are so cute :)!!!!!! and I LOVE the shirt! Looks like a great Christmas.
I think everyone is off their game :)!
Here’s to a brand new year!
Yes! Let’s get this new year started already 🙂 Thanks Jen!
Beautiful family! I can never get my son to look and smile either when I take a picture. I did wince a little when you mentioned the Packers win over the Bears though, it’s ok though because I still have the Blackhawks 🙂
Happy New Year to you and your family!
I know, I know, it was a tough loss for the Bears but what a great game! At least you have something to fall back on. The Pack is pretty much it for me.
Have a great new year!
Such a fun post and glimpse into your holiday. That stocking stuffer was great! I only got one sports bras and tights in the fitness gift dept. they were cool, but my UGGs were the faves this year. The boys are adorable in the
picture, lots of character. Who has time to cheese!!!
Sports bras and tights are great essentials! You can’t beat UGGS. I love mine and definitely could use a second pair, especially when it’s only 20 degrees out like today brrrrr!!!! Thanks Joi!
Looks like you had a fabulous Christmas Allie! Your family photo is awesome!
Thanks Michelle – we really had some fun days!!…but also glad it’s now over 🙂
UGH! All of your photos just make me realize how much I don’t want these holidays to end. I have one more week at home, but I am already sad to know that I am leaving in a week! ha ah aha ha ha!!! That’s what happens when I am home for so long, I get far too used to the daily routine that I don’t want to change back to what I have to do in the real world! BOOO! LOL!
The real world kinda sucks however, I NEED my kids to go back to school immediately!!
I hope you savor your last few days at home. I know how you feel….wahhhhhhh!!!!
I got a GoPro for Xmas too!! I used it to film some of my trip and it was amazing!! Can’t wait to see your videos! Also, your boys are just too cute!
I’m so glad!! Hopefully we can share ideas and tips. I cannot wait to see more of Aussie-ville. The fireworks were amazing. Welcome back 🙂