Category Archives: henry et marie

our christmas

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Well, we finally did it – matching family pajamas! I wish you could see mine a bit more, but this is what you get from a timed photo, ha. Next year we’ll invest in a family photo shoot, as it’s been too long since we had a professional capture us as a family. We had a lovely, lazy Christmas, which is honestly still happening because we all got sick with colds the next day. But back to the big day – it all started with discovering Santa had enjoyed the scotch + pfeffernüsse we had left for him (see this post for more about that family tradition). The first presents they found were in their stocking – adorable, handmade teddy bears that give back. Nothing sponsored – I’m sharing the link because I love gifts that give back.

 

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bears

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santa express

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We might have to call 2016 the “year of the train” for us – we’re on a roll! This was our first experience at the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster – I think it’s going to be a new holiday tradition. One of their most popular events is the Santa Express Train, which has been happening since 1959! I couldn’t wait to give the kids the experience, and I was pretty excited myself, having never been on a vintage steam train. We had the pleasure of being pulled by the #90 locomotive, circa 1924, and rode in the passenger car #58, circa 1911. After geeking out over all the equipment (I have my Dad to thank for the interest), we boarded the train and anxiously awaited the arrival of Santa.

 

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sidebyside

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a christmas tradition

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Cutting our own Christmas tree has become quite the tradition for our family. I grew up cutting fresh, and have such happy and hilarious memories of the event – it’s incredibly nostalgic for me. Even though we’ve been doing it since before we welcomed Marie + Henry into our lives, it became so much more special with them in tow. It’s hard to believe this is our fourth year doing it as a family! They are just so big now, I can’t get over it. I mean, we let them both carry the saw this year – that speaks volumes. Their bond is truly unbreakable, their friendship and love so very precious.

 

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kidsside

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artifact uprising holiday cards

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We’re spending the Thanksgiving weekend assembling our holiday cards by Artifact Uprising – I’m thankful the kids are old enough to help this year! If only one of us had some calligraphy skills, we’d be unstoppable, ha. I chose a multi-image card, since we have a lot of little moments to share from 2016. With so many design-minded, eco-friendly, customizable options to choose from, you’re certain to find a card that feels right for you. I’m excited to send ours on their way to loved ones…please forgive the crooked stamps, incoherent scribbles, and fingerprints. It’s a family effort this year!

cards c/o artifact uprising

forward motion

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I’ll be honest, it feels very odd to return to my usual content, especially since this happened before the election. While I’m resuming my “regularly scheduled programming”, please know that behind the scenes I am working harder than ever to do my part in brightening the future of America. I plan on sharing a separate post with helpful links very soon. Thank you to all of you who have commented, emailed, and reached out via social media to thank me for sharing my thoughts. You are not alone – we are not alone. So here’s to forward motion, to progress, and focusing on the positive.

 

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trainside

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We had every intention of introducing the kids to an old-fashioned train for years, but somehow it only just happened. While we have many options in our area, we chose the WK&S Railroad in Kempton, a privately owned heritage railroad company founded in 1963. They operate over a landlocked remnant of a former Reading Railroad line – ring a bell, Monopoly fans?! They have quite an impressive collection of motive power, to include two Porter steam engines (circa 1920’s-30’s) that they are currently restoring. The 1940’s coach we rode in has been immaculately preserved, and was pulled by one of their three diesel engines. The gentleman you see below has been working at the railroad for over 40 years, and uses a family heirloom timepiece to keep things running smoothly – this place truly transports you in time.

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