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Baby it's COLD outside!

This weekend the Scotts finally got into the holiday spirit! It all started when I caught a glimpse of the photo below on Eli's daycare bulletin board.  If that doesn't get you in the Christmas mood (or at least give you a few giggles), I don't know what will!
 
 
On Friday evening, Dee and I decided  to put up our Christmas tree and hang the plethora of ornaments we've collected over the years.  When Dee and I rented our first apartment together in Des Moines, my mom collected EVERY. SINGLE. ONE of my childhood ornaments and showed up at our doorstep with two large tubs full of Barbie, Snoopy and many, MANY other girly decorations.  Needless to say, Dee didn't feel those represented "Us" as much as they represented 1990's version of awkward-Abbie.  So slowly through the years, we've added ones that describe our family a bit better: Iowa State ornaments, Toy Story themed, Eli-created ones, and even  a brand new Minnesota wood cut-out :)

 
Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE the look of a beautifully decorated & color themed tree (blue and silver, anybody!?)  But right now, our eclectic (and fake) tree fits us perfectly.  In the photo below, you'll even see in our "Christmas corner" I've placed a Happy Holiday sign from a family craft day, as well as partial of my Charlie Brown tree; there's even a few snowmen I've kept for years from an old neighbor.  Eli also has some daycare artwork hanging; and to "top" it off, we have Woody (Toy Story) as our "star." 
 

 
On Saturday, our entire family checked out different shopping opportunities and craft sales in the area.  We even scored a few unique gifts for our family members that didn't break the bank!  That night, a group of Dee's coworkers invited us over for a white elephant party, drinks and games.  Eli no doubt enjoyed all the extra attention, and to our surprise stayed up WAY past his bedtime! :-O  Thankfully his following day's nap schedule wasn't ruined.
 
Dee unfortunately had to work Sunday - but Eli and I headed out to the Minneapolis Institute of Art for their kid themed "Dance" party.  To my surprise, this museum is ALWAYS free admission!  I didn't get to look around as much as I'd have liked, but Eli enjoyed the music, arts & crafts, the play area, and walking up & down the stairs....MULTIPLE. TIMES.  My child was also successful at setting off an alarm for trying to climb the artwork!! 
 
Needless to say, I think the MIA will be a future date-night for just the hubby and I ;-)  But it sure was cute to see Eli organizing bottle caps for his craft.


 By the end of our somewhat lazy/busy weekend, we were definitely craving a relaxing evening before working the next day.  Dee set a goal to watch one Christmas movie or special every night in December, and so far we've crossed off multiple faves (Four Christmases, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Elf, The Santa Clause, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer).  And wouldn't you know, Monday morning we woke up to more snow outside!  I'm not a huge fan of winter, but I do enjoy a white Christmastime...as long as it's melted by January we're good!  


I hope everyone's holiday season is turning out well so far.  It sure is a tad cold here in Minnesota, but nothing this Iowa girl can't handle.  Thankfully I purchased a new winter coat to keep me warm these next few months - now I just need to upgrade the Mustang for a 4-wheel drive...

(Even Eli is checked out for the winter months)! :-D

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