I know we’re well into January but I realized I barely touched upon the holidays. I had my doubts about staying in Denver but we ended up having the perfect mix of playtime and downtime. Here are a few of my favorite things:
The kids’ piano recital. Hadley played “Away in a Manger” while Bode Rocked around the Christmas Tree. As usual, Hadley made me pray for a Christmas miracle because she could barely make it through the song during practice but it finally clicked a few days prior and they both did great!
My solo afterward was the hallelujah shout.
Our ward party is always a blast filled with awesome friends, delicious food, Santa and a live band that featured…Elvis?
Who says Mormons don’t know how to party?!!!!
One night, we opted to watch The Hobbit downtown so we could see the Christmas lights and stroll through the charming Denver Christkindl Market.
Christkindl Photobomb!
I thought the STIHL-sponsored photobooth with the chainsaw cutting off Bode’s head was a particularly nice touch.
We also discovered quite possibly the best present ever: The “NO” pen. Click the link below for our quick video to watch my demonstration.
It has since gone missing. I suspect The Children may have had something to do with it.
I had a blast appearing on 9News’ ugly sweater segment.
And an even bigger blast when about 50 friends showed up for our sledding party!
On another day, we skated Evergreen Lake, followed by Country Road Cafe.
We did a lot of baking and played a lot of games…
Making cinnamon rolls
…in our PJs.
We made a point to do some service and volunteered at the Santa House to distribute gifts to low-income kiddos. My good friend Sam was about 45 weeks pregnant so we invited her three young kids over for the afternoon for “Elf Camp” with games and snacks. Hadley and her friend Alex were the entertainment committee and they did marvelously…until it came time to change Zoe’s diaper. It would appear we have some work to do before they’re ready to start babysitting.
Though New Year’s Eve day was a bust with our ski trip,we had a fun New Year’s Eve ringing in 2015 with our friends, the Carrolls.
Though they may not say the same thing. 
I’ll likely be banned from bringing silly string in the future.
On New Year’s Day, we were invited over to the Huntleys for a PJ/Ebelskiver party!
We didn’t even bother getting dressed for our fondue dinner that night. Things got a bit blurry…
Because of this wild ‘n crazy Martinelli’s kid.
But nothing says Welcome to 2015 quite like lazy gluttony.
It’s gonna be a good year.
I'm a Canadian-born mom of two, former Denver Post columnist, family travel writer, editor of MileHighMamas.com and 9News contributor. Expert on all things Utah, Denver, family and travel. Lover of laughter and life. Happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. 