Our schedules kept us busy after Christmas and we didn’t have make time or have the energy to take down the Christmas tree until today. We normally have it down the first week of January.
Down to the Wire
[I took a pic of the screen after submitting my sales tax but don't want to post since it contains personal info]
I submitted my sales tax for the last year, all of about $6 (only had one instate sale), tonight, just hours before he deadline. The state of Texas is finally allowing small businesses like me to submit yearly instead of quarterly. So nice.
Clean-up
We had Chelsea’s “field day” tonight for her preschool and the girls had a blast. We were there till it was over so the girls *helped* to clean up.
Upgrade
We upgraded our home alarm system today to a wireless system. Gotta love modern technology because this system lets us set and check on the alarm through an app on our phones. It also sends out storm/tornado alerts through the key pad, displays the weather forecast, works like “onstar” where you can talk to an operator through the key pad and, if we wanted to upgrade, we could control our lights and thermostat too.
Pizza!
Jonathan is in the Kansas City area and there’s an Imo’s there (his favorite pizza place). He made sure to get it a couple of times.
Sorting
I got about 60 pictures printed (from our ski trip, January, December and November events) and eagerly sorted through them to add them into our albums.
Hugs & Kisses
Jonathan was heading out of town today and will be gone for the workweek. The girls made sure to get some hugs and kisses from him before he left.
Organizing
My dad made these shelves in my creative space while J and I were on vacation. I finally got a chance to sort through some of my stuff this weekend and make use of the fabulous shelves.
Surrounded
I am surrounded by girl clothes wherever I seem to look. This collection is Tessa’s, ranging in size from 6 to 18 months, and it desperately needs to be packed away.
Getting Out
Jonathan was in town, so I made my way over to Dallas tonight to attend a Dallas Modern Quilt Guild meeting (about a 40 min drive each way). I am rarely in the car alone, so the drive in itself is a rare treat. (I *dangerously* took a picture on the way home.)
Farewell
Sadly, we said good bye to Gran and Gramps at the airport today. Hopefully they’ll be back soon (March possibly!) and next time we’ll stay in town so we can spend more time with them. 
In Training
These are the types of pictures we find after Chelsea has played with our phones.
The End
We had one last yummy indulgent meal (at the hotel this time) before returning back to real life and heading home.
Good Morning!
A pretty sunrise greeted us on our last day of skiing.
Recuperate
After we finished skiing each day, we got into the routine of coming back to the hotel to rest/nap, snack, and hydrate before getting ready for dinner.
Zoom
We didn’t make dinner reservations so we ate at the bar at Zoom (food was just alright and not memorable), which is a Robert Redford/Sundance restaurant.
Sparkly
We ate dinner at the hotel bar and this pretty light fixture hung above us.
Pampered
Even our toothbrush is being pampered at the Waldorf.
Warm
With a fire in the fireplace at the foot of our bed, Jonathan and I settled into our suite in Park City after a three hour flight from DFW. We used Jonathan’s Hilton Honors point to stay for free at the Waldorf Astoria.
Snoozin’
Gramps and his “Snorkel Nose” fell asleep waiting for Jonathan and me to get back from our last-minute ski gear shopping. Apparently Chelsea climbed up into Gramps’ lap all on her own.
[no pic!]
Today we were busy with Chelsea’s birthday and Gran & Gramps arriving. I took pics with my big camera but forgot to with my phone.
Warm
It was unseasonably warm today, the last day of 2011, so the girls took advantage and jumped on the trampoline for fun.
Cards Collecting
We always enjoying receiving and reading Christmas cards each year.
(12/14) Climber
(I meant to add this earlier but forgot) Tessa is now a climber and easily, but carefully, can climb our stairs. How ’bout that!
The Costco Trap
I went to Costco to pick up some pictures and came home with a cart full. I got some new glass food storage containers ($60), PJs for Mal ($10), batteries and food. Crazy how fast it adds up!
Loose Ends
Now back home, I finished our Christmas cards that were a little more labor intensive than normal. I was late getting our cards out, but they are finally done and mailed before the new year.
On the road again
We got up at the crack of dawn once again to make the 14.5 hour trek back home. Traveling west makes for an easier trip since we don’t get home as late. Mallory got the award for best traveler (she slept the most).
Ski Gear
Jonathan and I are leaving for our very first kid-free vacation in less than a week! We’re heading out to Park City, Utah for several days of skiing. While checking out some gear (including helmets), I am once again reminded that I have an unusually large noggin.
[no pic!]
I guess I was too busy to get a phone pic today!
Nestled
The girls were nestled, all snug in their beds at Grandma and Grandpa’s on Christmas Eve. Related: each night the girls switched who slept on the bottom bed, their favorite.
