Stay-cation

So I think The Swensons experienced their first 'stay-cation' this week. Since work was really slow, W decided to take this week off before starting his new job. It's been a great time of getting caught up {take that, laundry!} at home and having mini-day excursions as a family.

I cannot deny that it would be so nice to have an extra pair of hands on a daily basis. It's amazing how much more things can get done while having time for play! But alas, it's just my two hands most weeks so I do appreciate that W is really hands-on when he's home. Here's the fun part of our week together...{I'll spare you pictures of folded laundry, clean counter-tops, warm fires, refreshing afternoon naps and yummy dinners.}

Well, I will show you a boy totally enamored with his Papa.

Monday: Feeding the ducks

Ezra was in love with those ducks. He wanted so badly to jump in and touch them. He'd feed himself some bread and then feed them. W did a lot of running around this day. ;)

Tuesday: Aquarium of the Bay

The last {and only} time W and I have been here was on a day trip while we were still dating. It was one of the first things we did once we were both in the bay area. This time as a family, we braved the drizzle and headed into the city. Only got caught in the storm on our way back to the car. But I love the rain, so it only added to the adventure. I bought our second ornament of this year at the aquarium. An octopus...because Ezra loved the touch-and-feel part, of course. A great way to spend our anniversary day!

Wednesday: The Park

It was so cold!! We only spent a little over an hour at the park, before heading back to the car to warm up. Ezra did go down a small slide all by himself for the first time. And he officially loves to climb up the slides.

Thursday: The Zoo

Finally a sunshine day! It was still chilly so we bundled up with lots of layers.

 The first time we saw the lions out!

It's been a really great family time this week. A wonderful memory to look back upon in the four tax season months to come. I don't think W will be allowed to come up for air until after April 15th.

Happy 3 Years

to my one and only!! Seriously, the best three years of my life!

One of my favorite days!

Dearest Lover,

Thank you for helping to carry the heavy load that life sometimes brings.

Thank you for being so talented.

Thank you for being sweet in temptingly hard situations.

For making our life magical, regardless of what we have.

For committing to infinity and forever.

For making me laugh even when I'm sad or mad.

And for still being so hot, I can't keep my hands off you.

For loving life and being so goofy with me.

And thank you for being so tender and kind. For looking out for my best.

I love being your wife and getting to do life with you!! Even now when I think about our pairing, I'm blown away that God could design someone so perfectly matched for me. You are like no other that I know of. I'm so excitedly hopeful of the legacy we get to build together and the years to come.

I pray we get to grow so very old together.
And not just because I know you're great with diapers. ;)

With all that I am,
Me

The Last Christmas Tradition

I'm pretty sure this is one of W's favorite Christmas traditions: the burning of our tree. It requires all the things he loves: making a fire, using a knife and ax, and problem-solving skills. Gosh, I love my boy scout!! :) Sunday evening while E was taking a late nap, W and I took down all our lovely decorations. We built a fire, played Christmas music on Pandora one last time, drank some beer, and wrapped & stored everything for next year. The very last thing is turning the tree into firewood.

Until next year...

Christmas Eve & Christmas

Christmas Eve was spent at my parents. This is our third year with the cioppino dinner tradition and it is amazing!! 

 So yummy!! Definitely a hands-on meal.

 My two boys.

Mom & Linds in the middle of dinner.

 E did some exploration after his dinner.

After the early dinner, W, Linds, E and I split to the candle-lit service at church. We then headed back up to my parents for a Christmas movie, a few presents and hanging out. E got the most awesome gift from Uncle Bret and Auntie Donnie: On-the-go Drumsticks. Perfect for the boy who loves to make some noise!!

Christmas morning was at our house. The Swenson family tradition is Swedish pancakes. But with an honest mistake of tablespoons instead of teaspoons, we ate a delicious quiche instead. We opened presents and played games.

That evening, we were over at my parents again for prime rib. We ate very well this past weekend! Such a great and mellow Christmas.

Christmas Stills, Day 25

Merry Christmas!

Love,

The Swenson Family
{& my parents too!}



I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. 
 ~Charles Dickens


Christmas is a time to open our hearts to God and his gifts.  Just like the rest of the year.  ~Author Unknown

More Homemade

I am in love with MADE's homemade gift series that she did this month! After making almost a dozen of these ornaments, I'm hungry for a new project. I also decided to make a new homemade ornament for the Swenson family each year. Still working out the details, but I really like the idea of a yearly ornament tradition. Especially if Ezra could help out. I've bookmarking a few already.

Cookie Cutter by Martha Stewart

Old School Felt Ornaments

Recycled Cards...wonder how it'd look with photos...

And even though this whole season is over after today, I'd still love to make these!

Snowflake Pillows

Felt Shingle Tree {L}

Paper Leave Wreath

Noel Wall Art

But for now, this is my January craft. Oh, and finishing a pillow I'm half way done with. {sheepish grin}

Happy Crafting!

Hip Hip Hooray!

W accepted a job offer yesterday for a local accounting firm!!

We are beyond excited for this next chapter in our lives. And for the fact that this firm's partners are Christian and also highly value family. So while he'll be working his butt off these next four months, we also know that it will be a healthy environment for him to learn and grow in his career.

So W is now hoping to enjoy this week and next week relaxing and enjoying family. A calm before the storm. He's also looking forward to better sleep...he's been quite nervous and stressed lately. 

Christmas Stills, Day 24

{Way Back Then}

{Back Then}

{Today!}

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Hoping today and this weekend are full of love, relaxation, and the joy of Christ's birth!