Christmas Tree 2019

Last night Austin and I put up our Christmas tree and as I was looking at the ornaments I got sentimental (as always).

 Some ornaments have been with me since childhood, in fact I still have my baby's first Christmas ornament!

And then there are the ones Austin and I have been given while being engaged and married. The other fun ones though, I started noticing a pattern with.... Auburn (WAR EAGLE), ones to remind me of travels, alcoholic beverage ones, music ones (for Austin of course), and tons more Disney ornaments than I thought we had. 

I even have one of my dad. My Aunt Nancy had this made for me one year- it's a photo of when he graduated law school and it's one of my favorites!

Then I got to thinking about what other Christmas trees are decorated with... so tell me: 

What ornament patterns do you have in your stock?

What is your favorite ornament?

xo, kel

thankful thursday// vol.5

 I am so incredibly thankful for our growing family.

 The night before Christmas Eve, Austin brought home this sweet little puppy. It was the best Christmas gift (and I think Chloe thinks so too).  

So here is our newest addition to our little family: Luna Padfoot (if you aren't a Harry Potter fan....well I just can't help you). 

Sweetest right? 

xoxox, kel

christmas 2016// girvin lights

Another great Jacksonville tradition for Christmas is the lights on Girvin Street. A couple of blocks of homes completely go insane for Christmas and deck out the entire neighborhood. It's quite a sight!! 

This was the first year I've ever gone. Austin and I went after our family Christmas dinner at his parents this past week. I took a lot of video on snapchat, but also managed to take a few photos too....

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!

xoxo, kel

christmas 2016// gingerbread extravaganza

One thing about my city that I love around this time of year is the Gingerbread Extravaganza downtown. My good friend and coworker's mom is in charge of it every year and so we always take our third graders every December. 

It's honestly a great event. They give us a tour of one of the old houses of Jacksonville, owned by the Merrills (and is one of the few surviving houses from the 1901 fire), have a history talk, and then a tour (and scavenger hunt) of all the gingerbread creations. The kids (and we adults) always enjoy it!! 

Here are a few of the gingerbread creations that were my favorite (or made me gasp) from this year!!!!!

 There are always businesses that contribute and make their own gingerbread awesomeness... The one above is by (and of) the Jacksonville American Red Cross building at the beach, 

The one below is by (and for) Chamblin Bookmine (one of my all time favorite places in Jacksonville)!!!

 Then of course, there's a bit of Harry Potter (the above is of Diagon Alley!!)!!

 Ok, I don't know if Diagon Alley or this above gingerbread house of the Griswald House is my favorite. They're both pretty amazing though.

 More Jacksonville (and St. Augustin city) favorites!! The above is our old library and the below is the Lighthouse!!!

 There's also the Peterbrooke chocolate amazingness (above) and the Sweet by Holly confectionery deliciousness (below). Both are some great places in Jax for sweets!

Okay..... so the next picture is a little....graphic (especially for a gingerbread creation) but I had to share it..... it's pretty insane. It's also by the Homebirth organization in town.

I believe today was the last day to explore the Gingerbread Extravaganza, but next year if you live around Jacksonville, you HAVE to visit! 

it's almost Christmas?!?!?

(above is a christmas gift from last year)

Is it just me or is Christmas just happening sooner and sooner each year? Typically I'm against any decorating or festivities of the Christmas season until Thanksgiving is over..... but this year I'm feeling differently. I've already sipped my first eggnog and I'm looking forward to decorating our place asap. 

But don't get me wrong- I'm still loving my pumpkin decorations (and refuse to take them down in my classroom)!!!

So which are you leaning towards? Still decorated for Fall, or ready to decorate for Christmas??

-kel

Merry Christmas

Our Christmas was quiet but wonderful. Austin had to work most of the time, so I spent a majority of the holiday with my parents and Chloe. I feel so incredibly blessed.

 I swear, this furry little one could fall asleep anywhere. Soooo cute!

-kel

Addie Christmas photos

My friend Nicole asked me to take Christmas pictures of her family this year and since the last time was so much fun I was excited to take more. I tried to get some serious ones and then funny ones (especially since the majority of people were kids). Since it was a rainy day, we has to take the alternative route and shoot inside.  I like what we came out with! 

 xoxoxo, kel

welcome baby Liam + Montisano Family Christmas pictures

A few months ago I had the privilege of taking maternity photos for my friend and his gorgeous girlfriend.  Luckily I also got to take baby pictures of this adorable little Thanksgiving baby too. So here's the newest member and their adorable first Christmas pictures!! 

Welcome to the world little Liam! 

-kel