I Wrastled a Cat Once...

I know my photos of Jack and Charlotte have been lacking lately, so I took this video last night of their evening antics.

Enjoy, and happy Friday!

Kinsey

2011 Taxes: Check

Can you imagine sitting at home on a cool, cloudy February Saturday, with this going on in the background while you try to file your taxes (for the first time as a married couple)?

I didn't think so.

I'm proud to say, however, that our 2011 taxes are complete! Now, on to celebrate my birthday tonight:]

Enjoy your 3 day weekend!

Kinsey

Valentine's Delight

Hi there!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I last posted. Last week was crazy, and this weekend I didn't find the time or topics to blog about until it was too late! Oh well, fortunately this week will have lots of blog worthy subject matter, as Valentine's Day and my birthday are only one day apart:]

This Sunday, I got a wild hare to make homemade Valentine's. Fortunately, I have an amazingly sweet husband who gladly cooperated--even when I decided we needed to make Valentine's to and from Jack and Charlotte too.

Here's what we did:

First, we gathered the supplies. My Mother-in-Law has an amazing amount of fabric stored up from years of collecting. I'm really envious of her collection, but I realized while crafting this weekend that I have a similarly stocked craft supply selection. Just look at all of the stickers...and these are only the ones that applied to V-Day!

Here's the card Charlotte made for Jack. Two little known facts: Jack's (made up) middle name is Keats, and Charlotte has amazing handwriting.

Here's Charlotte's card from Jack. Turns out Jack has sad handwriting, and writes lots of his letters backwards. The paw print in the middle of the heart is really his (proof below).

Don't worry, animal people--the paint was non-toxic and safe.

Here is Jack's Valentine from us (Thomas hand painted it!)

And, here is Charlotte's Valentine from us, made with leftover paper from our envelope liners.

The others (ours to each other) are still a surprise as we won't be exchanging until tonight. Even if you aren't into Valentine's Day as a commercial, spendy holiday, we had lots of fun making all of these cards for free and spending time together doing it.

Enjoy your day!

-T, K, J & C

Tail Wars

Below is a scene from a completely regular Monday night at the Mahan house. It all starts with a game of tail wars.

Jealous?

Santa Doggie

On the first night Thomas' family was here, we had a Christmas present palooza! They got us a ton of great gifts, some of our favorites being:

Some deliciously warm house booties.

A really fun helicopter (quite difficult to fly, but Jacker loves chasing it).

A beautiful leaf wrap ring from Sundance (also, if you're wondering, the nail polish in this photo is Glitzerland by OPI).

And some adorable matching pajamas (as well as other clothing I'm sure you'll see in future pictures).

I have to say, though, one of the most fun gifts was Jack's present--an adorable Santa suit! Last night when I attempted to take pictures of the suit, Jack wasn't cooperating. As a bribe, Thomas took the opportunity to give him his heartworm pill (in a hearty spoonful of peanut butter of course). Here are the antics that ensued:

(Please notice Charlotte creepin behind the tree).

Another amazing gift was the stocking Thomas' mom made for me. She collected birds from his dad's baby blanket when they were first married, and has saved them since then to make custom stockings for each child and their future spouse. I have to say that this stocking is one of the most beautiful and thoughtful gifts I've ever received. I love it! Fiiiine, I'll stop yammering on and just show you already.

Here is Thomas' as well. Isn't it cute?! I love the star theme.

Well, this marks the last Christmas/New Years/family visit post. We're sad to see the holiday season go, but we are looking forward to what's the come in the new year and getting back into our now familiar routine. We have lots going on this week and weekend, but I hope to keep up with posting as much as possible. If I don't though, what can I say? I'm probably just sitting around photographing my dog in a Santa suit.

-T, K, J, & C

2011 Recap

2011 was a great year. We accomplished lots of things, went lots of places, and met lots of people. If I had a bucket list, I would have kicked lots of the things on it as of this year.

Lets recap a bit about what went on, shall we?

The 21st birthday

The engagement photos

The showers

The graduation(s)

The wedding

The move

The tree

The kitty

The job(s)

It was a scary, exciting, adventurous, memorable, out-of-our-comfort zone type of year! And do you want to hear my new years resolution? To spend 2012 napping and recovering.

I hope you all have a safe and fun New Years Eve, and that 2012 finds you happy, healthy, and hopeful.

-T, K, J, & C

Awkward Family Photos: Christmas Edition

Happy Friday all!

Today is the final installment of Christmas posts before the new year begins. While my parents were here, I got good use out of my tripod for the first time. There were some definite shenanigans surrounding the use of an auto-timer, but in the end we figured it out. Here are some of the best--and most awkward--results.

This photo session occurred on Christmas night after the gift opening ceremonies. Thomas and I put on our matching Zipcar shirts (a gift from a friend) and posed for the camera.

Then, we decided to get the rest of the family in on the action. Apparently something entertaining was going on in the kitchen, because Jack and Charlotte were pretty distracted.

Finally, a good picture! Merry Christmas all:]

Although this isn't an awkward family photo, what's cuter than a pug in a Christmas hat? Not a thing in the world my friends.

Enjoy your New Year--be safe everyone!

Kinsey

Christmas Eve in Pictures

Hey there!

Sorry for the radio silence over the last week or so--we've been busy spending time and celebrating Christmas with my family. They left early this morning, and the Mahan's are on there way here as I type. I know there will be an overload of pictures to come, but here's a (partial) recap of what we did on Christmas Eve.

Charlotte posed with all her presents.
 

Cole bonded with Jack.
 

Charlotte contemplated destroying the puzzle.
 

Here's another shot of the cupcake puzzle, which turned about to be much harder than we originally expected.

 We spent Christmas Eve morning at Piedmont Park. The weather was beautiful and it was a perfect day for exploring.

Jack and another pup in action at the Piedmont dog park.

On Christmas Eve eve, we drove by a house that Thomas found out about from a work friend. The house has over 200 inflatable Christmas decorations displayed on the lawn. It was a crazy sight, and unfortunately didn't photograph well. Trust me when I say that it was amazing.

After the Christmas Light Tour, we returned to the house for some delicious appetizers. We had...

3 Onion Dip (amazing recipe courtesy of Martha Mahan).

"Chicken Tiddies," courtesy of my dad (chicken, bacon, pepper jack, and jalapeños).

Our favorite, Poppyseed Sandwiches.

Christmas cookies.

Some fresh veggies, because we obviously care about health.

 AND, Stuffed Mushrooms.

Jealous?

Luckily I was able to pause the feasting long enough to snap this photo.

After dinner we watched a Speed family favorite--National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation--and finished up the puzzle. Overall, Christmas Eve was quite the success! Tomorrow I'll be posting pictures from Christmas day--I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!


Kinsey