this is how we Christmas...

New Year's Eve may be a little slower than year's past for Josh and I (yeah... because we were MAJOR partiers pre-Ruby... Yep...), but the Benson's sure do know how to throw down...









These pictures were taken from the first night we all were together. We made dumplings, ate good food, drank Ina-tinis, opened poppers full of goodies - including colorful crowns and cheesy jokes, and had a good ol' time. Good Benson family fun!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Onna or Nonna?

Does it matter?? Look how much fun they're having. Peas in a pod those two...






But seriously, mama. Which is it??

bathtub built for two...

Ruby really enjoyed taking a bath at Onna and Grandpa's house... 1. They have portable heaters which make the bathroom all nice and toasty. 2. They have big mirrors and big counter tops which means Ruby gets to bathe with Ruby! And she LOVED it.

fire and ice...

as promised...

Merry Christmas!

Waking up to this is very merry indeed!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

firsts...

Lots of firsts today! Ruby woke up to a white pre-Christmas (a couple inches of snow!) and lounged in front of a toasty fire... Pictures to come when we get home. Get excited!

for your viewing pleasure...

You've seen it before... but have you seen it with the Dunlop trio??

Jingle all the way!!

(you're welcome...) We're off to Arizona for the holiday today. Our flight doesn't leave until noonish and we couldn't be more thrilled. Leisurely travel mornings are FOR SURE the way to go!! We ARE bringing the camera, so pictures will be taken!! Until then - Merry Christmas!!

the hustle and bustle...

We had a leisurely morning, a delicious breakfast, and then went to go grab coffee. Realized on our way home that we had absolutely nothing to do today. Nothing. It's just lovely. We had some fun family time and all of us got in at least 1 nap. Currently the babe's sleeping, cookies are in the oven, and netflix is a'playin. Love love love. Happy week before Christmas!!

and we're back...

Did you like my vanishing act? Sorry for the lack in updates but the holiday craziness swept us away. Did that happen to you too?? Just last week we were bombarded with holiday parties, shopping, work, a sick baby, friends visiting, post office visits, and just life. I will admit it was nice having all the craziness in one week because now it's just back to normal... normal plus cookies and candy everywhere we go. Confession: I may of had a piece of fudge with my yogurt this morning. Oy vey. Blast you tempting holiday food!

Anyway - Ruby is feeling better and we're back to a normal schedule for this week. Hard to believe next week is Christmas! I've been having a camera hiatus (gee... that's a surprise...), but snapped some tonight before bed...

the tree...

The tree! The tree! The tree that Ruby diligently helped pick out is up and decorated...

Ruby's view...

I like the crooked star on top... adds some charm, no? Hope your home is looking festive!!

SEVEN months!

I have a seven month old?? Weird. She's just the best thing ever. This month was a really fun month. Lots of giggles and smiles and I even told Josh last Saturday "this has been my favorite day being a mom." She was just such a cuddlebug and is so interactive! You'll notice she's sitting up on her own and responds to her own name pretty well. She's eaten a plethora of veggies and we've just started her on fruits (gotta have your veggies before the sweet stuff!!). We are looking forward to her first holiday season and she's been quite a good girl, so we made extra room under the tree...

See the progression...

One month old, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six... Progression of cuteness!!

cozy...

Babies in thermals... one of my favorite things. Especially THIS baby. Hope your weekend was just as cozy!!

tree hunting...

Ruby! We're going to go pick out our Christmas tree today! What do you think of this experience so far??

Great! I think we found the one! Ruby, your thoughts??

She's thrilled.

oh what up homegirl??

Thanks Auntie and Uncle!!

gobble gobble

Kristin, Ruby's daycare lady, texted me this photo today... What a lovely little surprise!

sidelines...

Ruby experienced her first rugby game on Saturday... it was a blistery day, so she was bundled up but still on the sidelines cheering on pops (actually, we were outside before Josh's game started and then watched from the car when the rain came...). What a trooper... and her dad's #1 fan.