Sorry I’ve been MIA lately. Between work, the holidays, and Bubba’s social calendar, I haven’t had much personal/blog time other than to post some sponsored giveaways, which isn’t a such a bad way to kick off the holidays but certainly not as cathartic as the regular tales and updates. I haven’t even had the chance to go through our photos from Buenos Aires yet. They’re mostly family shots, since that was the main purpose of our visit but I was hoping to share some of the many dulce de leche faces of Sebastian.
On a positive note, I’m proud to report that our tree is standing proud, thanks to Uncle Jeff who again selected us a stunner. It’s only 9 feet (as opposed to this beast from last year) but much more manageable. I didn’t once fear plummeting to my death while decorating it. Oh, and Balthazar is on patrol like CHiPs. Which reminds me…have you read this post about those competitive Elf on the Shelf Mommies? Absolutely hilarious!
Our holiday cards are finally out for delivery too. Of course it was raining the day I scheduled Carissa so we only had a few minutes outside. None of the photos felt special enough to stand alone so we chose a three-photo card instead of just one. A huge thanks to everyone who voted on the card design but in the end, the photos themselves determined the winner. It’ll be posted next week and I promise it’s super cute.
Now onto, Where in Manhattan is Bubba?
We visited Macy’s Santaland again. I learned a lot from last year’s experience and decided to go early in the season. We zoomed through Santaland as expected and Bubba loved it The big guy himself? Not so much. The only redeeming thing about the photo is that I’m not in it. Although I did wash my hair and practice folding my hands in my lap, just in case.
Bubba also experienced bowling for the first time at a holiday party with Santa’s Hideout, a really cool, parent-controlled wishlist/letters to Santa site. The party was at Bowlmore Lanes, which I hadn’t visited since partying with PeeWee. Not only was it Sebastian’s first time bowling but he also had his first ever candy apple (huge success, obviously) and got his face painted like a puppy.
Given Sebastian’s affinity for candy, I was all over Taste Buds’ Gingerbread House class. In less than an hour, he consumed more candy than he’s ever eaten in his little life and the smirk on his face lasted well into the sleepless night. The “class” was crowded and is on the pricey side but I would definitely return next year and for some of the other classes.
Then there are the shows. Last weekend we saw Berenstain Bears Live at the Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre and today we saw the Three Bears Holiday Bash at the Swedish Cottage Marrionette Theater in Central Park. Bears bears bears! Berenstain Bears was a little too country and old fashion for us city folk but Bubba got to meet the bears after the performance and again had his face painted, which was a highlight. The Three Bear Holiday Bash was a real treat for everyone. The puppet show tells the stories of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza, and has a lot of interactive components. The cottage is warm and cozy and the stories are fast-paced and engaging. The staff was super sweet and accommodating too.
Next on our list is the Holiday Train Show. NYers, have you been? My SIL and nephew are visiting for New Year’s so we’re waiting for them to join us.
Other than that, I’m just trying to take it all in. For the first time, Sebastian can appreciate the magic of the holidays and his wonderment is contagious.
How has your holiday season been so far?
{I was not compensated for this post. We received complimentary tix to Berenstein Bears Live and The Three Bears Holiday Bash.}
Twitter: gracefully50ish :
Awe..I love the look on his face in the second photo! I so miss having small children this time of the year. It’s just not the same…. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas!
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Twitter: bellebeandog :
All the holiday-themed options in a big city make Christmas that much merrier! I think you guys did a great job with the gingerbread house, BTW.
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Twitter: anna_sandler :
Y’all have done so much fun stuff! It is good to be Bubba! I love the Swedish Cottage Marrionette Theater, but have only gone in the summer. A holiday show sounds great.
We have not gone to the train show – but we have *tried* to and the line was just too long, can’t wait to hear if your post-holiday visiting strategy works better crowd-wise.
We have holiday lights at the zoo out here in Jersey, and it was really fantastic. Next year you’ll have to bridge and tunnel it and check them out!
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Twitter: TiffsBreakfast :
The Berenstein Bears… how fun!! Your little guy is just adorable… And that lady making fun of the elf on a shelf lady was seriously cracking me up! The white trash comment had me laughing out loud and I said, “That’s hilarious.” Then my 3-year old wandered into the room and said, “I wanna see. What’s hilawious?” =)
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can’t wait to see u guys in 2 weeks! Nicky is super excited to fly on the plane again.. and I of course can’t wait to kiss my little godson !!!! see u soon!
Looks like you’ve been having such an awesome time! I am looking forward to my little guy being off from school next week. We are planning some fun outings to make up for all the time I spend glued to my laptop.
I’ve been such a blog slacker lately…but it sure has been nice to have some downtime! Have a wonderful Christmas and I hope to see you after the 1st of the year!
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Twitter: GlamKitten88 :
Whenever I see or hear Santa, all I can think of is Will Ferrell in “Elf” — “SANTA. I know him!”
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Twitter: @GlamKitten88
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What fun activities to be doing before the holidays! Still haven’t made our gingerbread house this year (looking forward to it). Love your writing and lovely detailed pictures!
Twitter: RedSolesRedWine :
What wonderful festive activities! And he is adorable. I found out last week I’m having a boy so look forward to following your adventures with your little ones. It’s a new learning and adventure being pregnant and I’m sure there’s a lot more to come.
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Aww Jill, you’ve really made the holidays so special for Bubba – and Christmas isnt even here yet! These are such wonderful memories you’re creating. How fun!
I cant wait to see the final Christmas card. Good for you for getting them out (lol). People should have them before the holidays, which is always a good thing.
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Twitter: MyPixieBlog :
OMG, these are the cutest pics, Jill. Sebastian’s face lights up in each one. The holidays are always so much more fun when there’s a little person to celebrate with. And I’ve heard about these competitive Elf on a Shelf moms–will have to check out that post.
Hope you are enjoying the holiday season and finding a few moments of quiet whenever possible–seems you’ve been running around quite a bit lately!
XOXO
Twitter: MommyDelicious :
Sebastian makes me smile. He’s so sweet and happy and lovable! Glad to read that he’s been having a loving time this holiday season. xoxo
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Twitter: FitChickNYC :
It is a great time of year to be a kid!
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Twitter: noshoppingliz :
It IS good to be Bubba. What a handsome kid. What a LUCKY kid.
You done good, mama.