A Peek at the Poulsens

My family was going to be out of town for Christmas so we celebrated Christmas with them early. I actually really like doing it this way - the kids don't get overwhelmed and actually enjoy the gifts they are opening instead of having so many at one time that they sort of ignore them all. Plus Austin and I are such awful present-waiters that it totally suits us to open early : )  bunny coat!  Everyone got some sort of outerwear (vest, jacket, hoodie etc) and big Jack modeled his ski stuff. Little Jack liked Stockton's new water bottle.  My mom did it again, the surprise magic present whiz that she is, getting Max and Annie both presents that they really wanted but didn't think they'd get (LeBron basketball shoes/new iPhone). The year after we moved to Nebraska she totally surprised me by wrapping a toy airplane with a tag that said "good for one roundtrip plane ticket to Maryland" to visit my best friend there. I think that's still the best,...

 Going to the mall with PopPop is one of our favorite activities. He gets a long lunch break at work and sometimes meets us at the mall. He always takes the kids on the carousel, gets pretzels at Auntie Anne's, plays in the park area, and then we get lunch. He is always so excited and willing to spend time with us, and I'm so grateful that we get to see so much of him! When we're at his house he takes the kids to the park, makes brownies with Natalie, and follows Stockton around waiting to see what he wants to play with. We love PopPop! Sometimes I think to myself that I want a nicer house. Then I find cheeto crusties on the light switch and I don't think we're ready for that yet. I took advantage of Natalie being tired one nap time  by putting on a movie for her and reading by myself instead of tidying.   I love that Jack sits up now. It's so convenient! He's thinking about crawling but isn't there yet. He is a TOTAL mama's boy, thro...

early morning bleary eyed faces (and I mean EARLY - she's been waking up at 5:50 the past week.) Tgiving FHE with the Welches // a perfect stack of pancakes // those two getting into mischief together various forms of lounging sweet bedtime moments // a smiley Jack getting out some wiggles on a Saturday The classic GRINCH JAMMIES - he was all bundled up and cozy like this while we got in the hot tub at Ross/Aly's family rental house for Tgiving. I think I might need a hot tub when we're old and rich, it was so magical and wonderful. Also during that night we sampled MANGO Martinelli's, which was absolutely delicious, yet nowhere to be found at any store. Natalie and I got crafty - I did a cute Santa and Natalie did a demon snowman, and is pleased as punch about it. The two Jacks at my mom's birthday dinner at Zio's. (Jack and I left the others at home and drove up for the occasion.) Austin's favorite part of gro...