We had grand hopes for our Harry Potter Christmas train. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that next year we need to either build it a platform or construct a fence for it, otherwise Roomba destroys the tracks while on his night cleaning rampage.

Family coziness, N’s look of blissful birthday satisfaction, and M’s adorable enthusiasm with E.

When The Boys think the birthday gifts are pretty cool, too.

Nothing like whipping out one last home reno project right before the holidays. Did I have to move decorations around to accomplish this? Absolutely. Did my almost seventy year old mother climb on ladders to help me? Affirmative. Did the kids get way too much screen time to make this morning possible? Also, correct. #Dedication

Layers of chaos.

So much fighting over who can blow out the candles, despite the fact that no matter how much they blow, the candles don’t seem to go out. The wax, however, got splattered all over. This year I’ll be hunting for a candle snuffer whenever I’m out thrifting.

It took longer than normal for us to find time to put ornaments on the tree this year. Life.

Super cold days call for hot chocolate.

Keeping that snow play going till the very last bit is gone.

Early morning “kitty” snuggles. (accompanied by lots of meowing)