December 2014

December, as always was packed full of fun for the Olsons. This year, to make the month extra special, we threw in a "James the Brave" launch party. So between the party and covering all of our annual traditions, it was a BUSY month!

"James the Brave" Launch Party

A lot of time and energy went into planning this party. Sometimes I think it took longer to plan this party than write the book! No seriously. But it was an amazing day and the support I felt was incredible. We had cookies and milk, crafts for the kids and I did a reading. Of course I cried during my reading. I knew I would not be able to keep it together. It was a very surreal moment, reading my book to people I love so much. I felt pretty overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of being able to persue a dream. The cheese ends here, I promise. Maybe.

Signing Books for my peeps

"James the Brave" Decor

Cookie and Candy Table

Crafts Underway

I made Scott in charge of the craft table and he fulfilled his post with dignity and precision.

The reading, before the tears.

I was so happy to see so many faces that I love!

James and James

Christmas and its many traditions:

We have so many things we like to do in December that the month can become swamped very quickly. What I loved about this year, was that we were able to do all of our traditions and still manage to spend a lot of time at home next to the fire and our Christmas tree. It was absolutely perfect. 

The boys all bundled up on our way to Candy Cane Lane.  I know I'm going to sound like a wimp  but it was freezing! 

I think Scott should aim for something like this in our yard next year!

Gingerbread house decorating.  More of this candy ended up in Foster's mouth than the house.

Isn't this picture just the cutest thing?  I love it.

This was Sunday before Christmas with all of us dressed in our Christmas best.

Scott had two weeks off during Christmas, which was a dream.  We spend one of those days exploring the zoo.

On Christmas Eve, I sent the boys to the park, turned on Christmas music and made more batches of cinnamon rolls than I can remember.  It was heaven.

The goodies Santa left behind.  Foster scored: a dyson vacuum, ugg boots, a tool set, coloring book and lots of treats.  James scored: one darth vader mask, lego superheroes, legos, ugg boots and some serious candy.  

Grandma and Pop Pop Olson sent the boys this racetrack which they stared at for long periods of time.  I felt like it was actually a gift to me.

Christmas night, after spending the day with family, we popped some popcorn and watched The Snowman .   Spoiler alert: it has a sad ending.  James may have cried.  But it's all in the spirit of Christmas right?  It was so nice to end the special day with just our little family.  Makes me shed a tear just thinking about.  Why is Christmas over!!!!

The day after Christmas we headed downtown to the Wyndham (we know a guy) and had an amazing view of the balloon parade on the harbor.  Did I mention we were in the Governor's suite?  We are pretty fancy.  Lots of food and drinks and the best part, the entire family was there.  That doesn't always happen but when it does, it's my favorite.

The new Nielsen Christmas Tradition, a family football game.  I'm not going to lie, I did not excel here.  But watching my brothers get crazy competitive and my mom yelling plays from the sidelines, was pretty priceless.

All in all, I would say this was our best Christmas yet.  It was hard to say goodbye to Christmas and take down all the decorations.  But now that they're put away, we are looking forward to 2015.  If it is anything like 2014 than it is going to be amazing.  Sometimes I can't even put into words how grateful I am for the gifts I've received. It seems impossible to count all of my blessings.  But my greatest blessings I can count.  There are three.  And they are all asleep in this house as I type this post.  And if you're reading this, you're probably one of my blessings too.