Wrapping Up December

Christmas feels like it might as well have been months ago (could have something to do with the fact that I strip everything down on the 26th) but we did quite a bit of merrymaking leading up to the beloved holiday.

Henry was really into the Christmas season this year, from the music, to the decorating, lights, stories-it was really magical to experience the holiday through his four-year-old eyes.



We had our first snow right before Christmas and it was a joyful experience for both kids. Henry made two snowmen, had a snowball fight, and made a snow angel. Snow boxes check, check, and check.

Josephine loved the stuff icey stuff as well :)

"Henry and Dad Snowmen"


Henry was quite happy with Santa's deliveries of his requested toy soldier and bike bell. Josephine, the resident goat, was stoked to have new paper to chew on.

We had a second snow overnight a few days ago which made for more snow play fun despite the 20 degree temperatures (though note, the "feels like" temp is hovering below 10. It's COLD.)

I braved the cold to take Henry to a "noon" year's eve for kids at Yards Park and we were both number in the fingers and toes and ready for the gosh darn balloon drop to take place. We bolted for lunch and enjoyed some Mexican fare and bloody mary's for an unexpected New Year's Eve day date.


And in the blink of an eye another year has gone by! 2017 was a pretty amazing year for our family with so many adventures, new friends, holidays shared, and memories made. We definitely ended our year on a high note. Cheers to 2018!

2012: O

O is for outstanding, the kind of grade given in early elementary school, and how I sum up 2012.

It was the kind of year defined by amazing experiences, sharing moments with family and friends, but also living every day life to the fullest. Scott and I ate some amazing meals, worked on our house, learned more about each other, watched friends and family get married, have babies, and celebrate milestone birthdays. While the year was full of highs, there were certainly moments of reflection in loss, specifically the passing of my grandfather.

Yet, I feel very fortunate that the entire year feels like a highlight reel, which is essentially this blog. I started this back in 2007, and while some of those early posts were pretty juvenile in nature as I figured out this public diary business, I'm happy that it's been fairly consistently updated. I started it because I don't like to write in a journal as my handwriting is too sloppy, and it's grown into a way to stay in touch with family and friends from near and far. While it's no Young House Love or Dooce, I'm glad my parents care enough to still read what their nearly 29-year-old daughter puts on the Internet. And offer suggestions :)

On the final day of 2012, it seems appropriate to list favorites. It's organized, there are photos, and a pretty bitchin' top three.

1. The day we jumped out of a plane

2. Hiking to Machu Piccu

3. Meeting Ina Garten

And what's New Year's Eve without a grand finale activity like riding a Segway for the first time?

Cheers to 2013, and all that it has in store!

-Madam Commissioner Erin Haselton

New Year's Eve 2011

Dinner and Drinks and darn good times with Blake and Priscilla.

Strolling down Harbor Blvd.


Running into favorite coworkers.


Cheers to 2011 and it's memories and welcoming 2012!