These are a few of my favorite things

December was such a good month and a great way to end the year. Josh and I really made an effort to enjoy each moment as it came so we wouldn't get overwhelmed with busyness, which I'm thankful. There's so much to do during the season that I don't want to rush through it all and not enjoy it.

I love so much about preparing for the holidays. ... pulling out the Christmas movies and Cd's ... making our home festive with Christmas decorations ... creating and sending out our Christmas cards. I enjoy shopping for the perfect gifts; although that can get a bit stressful sometimes when I can't make a decision on which one is the perfect one! I love going shopping with my mom and meeting friends for lunch. And getting together with all of the extended family. I am truly blessed.

Here's a few pics of our holiday fun...

1. Christmas at the Zoo with my highschool girlfriend and her family.

Aren't their kids adorable? They have two boys and a little girl (wrapped up in the baby sling) that are so much fun. Their oldest son told me very matter of fact that his mom was making him look at the Christmas lights but he didn't care about the "boring lights." He'd rather look at the animals. I love seeing things like the zoo through children's eyes.

Aren't they cute all bundled up? We were watching the penguin swim here.

2. The annual Mayes Christmas cookie bake.

Us gals in our aprons and getting ready for some yummy baking.

The guys putting the lights on the live tree while we bake.

3. Our annual family birthday/Christmas celebration.

My sister and her husband's birthdays are only 6 days apart in December. It's become a tradition that we all get together to celebrate. It's now grown to celebrating several other November/December birthdays and Christmas at a dinner together. I love it that we continue this tradition and are sure to see each other before Christmas.