Alex & Chris' Engagement Party

So, no, obviously we did not get to go to this :( 

But we did Skype in and dad carried the laptop around the party so that we could say hello to everybody!

my mum and her oldest brother, my Uncle Jim

my mum, Uncle Jim, three of his sons(my cousins) and his grandson

the engaged couple - my beautiful sister and her handsome fiancee

above cousins' wives + my mum

in order: my mum, sister, soon-to-be-brother-in-law, and dad

New York Toy Fair

In February I got to do the 'Salesman' bit and help show off my company's products at Toy Fair 2013. It's the biggest (domestic) tradeshow for the toy industry. A ton of fun but a TON of hard work! I don't know how people who regularly travel for work do it. I missed my kids sooooo much. As well as my sleep.

The night I got home was Valentines Day. Which was perfect timing. I shared a Papa Murphys heart-shaped pizza with my loves - all three of them. Took a shower, unpacked and slept fourteen hours in my own bed.

Valentine's Day

Papa Murphys heart-shaped pizza: that's how we do Valentines Day 

Nursing a Cold

This is me this weekend. I thought I had avoided this nasty flu that's all over the news. But it's been through all my co-workers and lots of kids at the daycare, so I shouldn't be surprised that I've picked something up. I'm at home, with a cold that's not YET the flu, so I'm stocking up on Zicam and green smoothies in the hope that I can beat it before it really starts. Wishful thinking? I don't know, but my bigger concern is that both girls seem to have a touch of it too. Send positive healthy thoughts our way please!

Downton Abbey

Just started Season Three on PBS. If you are not yet into this show - rent it and catch up! It is one of only two that Jake and I sit and enjoy together (he and I have different interests, and aren't watching much TV these days anyway). You will love it! While it is a period drama, it's not serious and heavy - instead it has been called a "period-soap-opera". I never thought Jake would sit and watch something like this, and he's gripped. (*Note: it is one of those shows that you have to see right from Episode One, though, or you'll never keep up with who is who). Two thumbs up for something worth watching these days!

Room by Emma Donoghue

I can't remember the last time I finished a book in two weeks. COULD.NOT.PUT.THIS.DOWN.

Haircut

But here's what I did to ring in the New Year. A new do! What do you think?