Holiday Stuff

We're trimming our tree and checking our lists. . . How about you??

Fun at the fair!

Can summer really happen if you don't make it out to the Great Minnesota Get Together and consume 80000 calories all on a stick?? We don't think so either.

What a weekend!

Here's a shout out to all you mom's out there. You know who you are and what you do and we think you're wonderful!

Apparently our guys do too! Well, let me back up because last weekend started not with Mother's Day celebrations, but with the celebration of Steve's and my 5th anniversary (a week late). On the night of our anniversary, we had a nice dinner out at our traditional restaurant. Grammy & Oscar came in for the big guns though, our first dual night away from Emma. This mama took a bit of gearing up for the actual evening, but after a few tears, anxiety, and instructions, the rest of the night and the following morning were lovely and relaxing!

Steve and I had a fabulous dinner at Murrays Steakhouse (if you go, you absolutely MUST have their raspberry pie. I am not even joking about this, it is incredible) and a full night of sleep (although our eyes popped open at 6:20 out of habit - ugh). It was great just to be able to lounge around in the morning, take our time getting ready, and not need to worry about a little toddler running amuk & need a diaper change.

Before breakfast, Steve told me I was getting my mother's day gift a day early to be sure to have the day of with my kiddo. My mom & I were set up with massages together and time to play a bit in St. Paul. How lovely! SO after a leisurely breakfast in downtown, my mom and I took off for a fabulous rub down. This will not be my only prenatal massage! She & I enjoyed some time together, doing some shopping, having a snack, and enjoying some girl time.

Sunday brought a little girl into my bed, proudly handing me a handmade picture frame with a new favorite picture of me and my girl. Best gift ever! Church, brunch, naps all around, and a trip to Ikea rounded out a lovely day. It was pretty much a perfect weekend, aside from the fact that I got no mother-daughter-daughter picture! Next year for sure!

Holiday Fun Part 3 - Christmas Eve

We had the traditional Wilson shrimp soup, our friends the Whittles, church, and fun with the girls!! What a nice way to celebrate the birth of Christ and the blessings in our lives!

Holiday Fun Part 4 - Christmas Day

The Murrays celebrated our first family Christmas at home this year. Steve and I have wanted our kids to wake up in their beds on Christmas morning and this year, we started that tradition. It was so fun to see Emma get more excited about presents and stockings and stuff this year (not hard to improve upon last year as she napped through much of the festivities ;o) ). We had a great Christmas breakfast, Skyped with Grammy and Oscar, took Em for a walk/sled ride in the afternoon, and had a low-key day.

*This was especially nice since Emma was up.all.night Christmas Eve.

Holiday Fun Part 2

A few book club mamas and babes headed on the train to the 8th Floor Display at Macy's. Although it's been the same for 3 years in a row, it's the first time I've made it. It was fun to share with Em and she even got to see Santa afterwards!

Holiday Fun Part 1

We've been having fun decorating, baking a bit, wrapping packages, getting things in the mail (**ON TIME!**), and enjoying the joy of the season with Emma!

Trick or Treat!!

The Trick - getting Emma to sit still for fabulous Halloween pictures.

The Treat - 8 Hours of UNINTERRUPTED sleep!

Pumpkin Carving

We have a family tradition with the Buzza's that we've participated in the past two years. We gather a day or two before Halloween, carve some pumpkins, eat some food, and have some treats for the kiddos. Last year Em was 6 weeks old and wore her cute skeleton onesie, being very content to cuddle in family member's arms. This year she wore her giraffe costume and was less than content to stay still! Things are far too exciting to explore, who would want to stay in one place??

My what big ears you have

Yes, the Murrays are going to be the characters from Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween. Last year we dressed up together - Emma was our little football, I was the football player, and Steve was the sexy cheerleader. It was pretty fun, so we decided to pick a family costume again this year. Steve came up with the brilliant idea and now I'm busy channeling my inner Martha to make this a reality. The big, bad wolf is almost done, now to get the little red hood/cape together. We actually have to occassions to show off our ensembles as well - at the annual Buzza pumpkin carving event the night before (although that may just be Emma) and the next day at a friend's Halloween party for the kiddos.

Happy Haunting!

Just a little taste. . .

Until I have time to upload my pics, a few from my dad. . .



We're so proud!