In case you didn’t see our post on Instagram, we had a HOLIDAY last week and it was actually The Best. (Minus the fact we left bebe at home - though he was in good hands with Auntie Cat and her dog, Major. He hasn’t stopped asking for them since they left on Sunday. We feel his pain.)

We haven’t had a holiday in a few years and were so grateful for the space to rest, relax, have date nights and chat. We read for hours (Layne read 5 books; Jonathan half a book.) We ate double our normal intake, including an exorbitant quantity of mozzarella sticks which we miss already. We tried to sleep in but that baby of ours has us trained to wake up by 7, so we didn’t make it any day, but he has so many other good qualities that we forgive him. In short, the time was so good for our hearts, marriage, and brains to unplug and enjoy simply being.

We didn’t take many photos, but you get the idea - imagine a pool, beach, lots of food and rest.

AND - importantly - we were able to go with some of our dear friends Alisa, Rachel, Ayron and Adam. Being on holiday with some of our good friends was a dream come true!

I’m all about the traditions - small things to look forward to and make all the moments a little extra special. Some people in my life make fun of me for this, but I own it all the same. We’re extra excited to celebrate Christmas with our little this year - including him in some of our old traditions (like going to chop doing a tree!) and creating some new ones too. Basically - no pressure, kid - but we’re expecting this Christmas to be more full of joy and laughs than ever before.

And the party is starting early because this year we’ve received THE MOST AMAZING GIFT (after our son himself, of course). Some of our friends collaborated to compile an “Advent of Books” for Bèbè. What?! Yes, you read that correctly, they coordinated, conspired, and compiled a collection of books so he can open one every day from now, December 1, through Christmas Eve.

We are BLOWN AWAY at this incredible and thoughtful experience for him.

This sweet gift will literally double his collection of stories and since we read him books all day long, we will all treasure this offering for years to come.

Today was our Book Advent Day #1 and it set the bar high. I texted my friend after we read it (twice) and asked her if it’s normal for this book to make one cry.