I just had lunch with Margot and it felt like the first time we had dined together in over a week, even though we share meals every day. I have been distracted. I told Margot that I didn’t like how busy we’ve been, how often I have told her to hold on or not now lately. I told her I was so excited that was behind us and I looked forward to hanging out with our family.
She stared at me, studied me with her wise brown eyes. I stared back, smiling, loving my kid so much.
She said nothing. She winked at me.
And I thought, right on kid. Here we go.
A local family creates a magical, musical paradise of their home and opens it to the public every night.
Locals: open 6-10 every night; located just west of Russell, a dead end street across from Bayern Brewing
We joined friends for sledding and Santa emerged from the snowy woods to say hello. So generous of him during this busy time of year. The kids were amazed. It was awesome.
Margot and Ruby had unlimited access to hot cocoa which eclipsed Santa
Evenings are full of visits and visitors. At this particular exchange Margot left with a life-sized bust of a girl with pink hair for styling. Right now sister has a rockin’ haircut and tats on her face.
I am running into these next few weeks of holiday celebration with open arms and enthusiasm. We have so much to celebrate, so much to love, so much to share (and so much packing to do!). We are off to my parent’s house in Minnesota and then home to make home elsewhere. It will be wild and awesome.
Margot composed and performed a song this morning. I caught it on video so I am able to leave you with the lyrics:
Alice went swimming in the water
She went and dug up a twig and a tooth
She went and dug up a Ruby
And then she dug up Margot
Then Nici, then Andy
And then at last
And the at last she said
You wish you were a Merry Christmas
xo,
dig
24 Comments
Have a fabulous holiday…. Crazyiness and all. Atleast that’s how mine seems to be going so you are in good company. Can’t wait to see how you make your new house a home!
i’ve been in the hospital with my grandma the past few days. she’s quite possibly leaving us soon. & i’m struggling with spending enough time with her … alll while not abandoning my sweet children at home. i’ve laid more kisses on sleeping heads the past few days with apologies for not being present. I get this.
also? minnesota? please call me! i’m more than willing to meet somewhere after children are fast asleep … just to say hi. & drink a cup of tea. or a cocktail. of course.
i’ve been in the hospital with my grandma the past few days. she’s quite possibly leaving us soon. & i’m struggling with spending enough time with her … alll while not abandoning my sweet children at home. i’ve laid more kisses on sleeping heads the past few days with apologies for not being present. I get this.
also? minnesota? please call me! i’m more than willing to meet somewhere after children are fast asleep … just to say hi. & drink a cup of tea. or a cocktail. of course.
I totally remember those lights from when I was little! Nothing beats Christmas in Missoula with all of my mom’s family. Heading that way tomorrow afternoon.
I’ve been a reader for awhile, but this is my first comment. I just want to say I love coming here to read and seeing photos of so many familiar places from when I was younger, and even now. My mom was born and raised in Missoula, and we always head that way to see family.
I love it. And I love how much you love Montana. Isn’t it crazy how it can be such a part of you. I don’t see Montana and I ever breaking up.
Merry Christmas!
for some reason, this one got me a little teary eyed. i think it could have been santa, or the boxes being packed. either way sista, i am so excited ‘we’ are moving. bursting, in fact.
safe travels! and cant wait to hear all about it.
merry, merry, love and cheer!
Remind all your office friends that you will be happy to take their empty xerox paper boxes… they stack so nicely and are a good size not to overfill and make too heavy to carry. Merry Christmas! I enjoy reading your blog.
I maintain that cardboard decorations, Charlie Brown trees and homemade garlands are the best. However, this is a whole lot cooler than giant inflatable reindeer snoglobes that sound like vacuum cleaners idling on the neighbor’s lawn all night. Besides, this display is seasonal art, made to be enjoyed, right? Be a shame to miss out. Especially with the way the lights look so beautiful on a cold, clear night, and if you already have a peppermint stick handy anyway . . . 🙂
Merry Christmas and safe traveling!
Don’t you just love the crush of the holidays? Last week I was overwhelmed with too many projects, too much elfing, too much sewing, and too much wrapping. All because I would start after Alex was asleep. I desperately want to be present for her. However a grumpy mama doesn’t make for the best moments, right?
Projects done. Everything is made, wrapped, packed. Finally in PA. Visiting. Celebrating. And now packing up parents for the next leg of the trip to Martha’s Vineyard. And I feel excited like a dog seeing their owners through a window. I’m on the verge of bursing into a big body-encompassing wag.
Merry Christmas! Travel safely. Loving the song. You remind me that I need to write down the 3 different versions of Rudolph that Alex sings – even the potty version!
-Jennifer
Love, love the song! Merry Christmas.
Minnesota?? I live in MN! Where are you going?
Love love love your blog. I have 2 little girls (4.5 and 21 mos), so when I read your blog I often nod and go, “yep, that’s exactly how my girls are!”
Good luck w/ your move! Can’t wait to find out the deets on the new place.
Merry Christmas!
LOVE THIS!!!!!
“You wish you were a Merry Christmas” I do, Margot, you’re so right, I really do!!
Merry Christmas!! Safe travels!! And here’s to a smooth and easy move!
I’m even charmed by the idea of Santa emerging from a snowy woods just a few days before Christmas. That must have blown the kids away. And maybe you, too, a little bit;)
Happy holidays, sister. Hope you and yours have the very best ones.
merry christmas to my “friend” dig…your blog became an important part of my life this year, in that it’s part of my week, always…must be crazy to hear that sort of thing. all I can say is your writing always speaks to me, and I thank you for that gift!
Burst out laughing at Margot’s song…your girls are amazing 🙂
That Margo, she knows whats up. That kid kills me!
Wishing you and your little fam a most wonderful holiday. Enjoy your trip. Can’t wait to see the new home to come.
ONE OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS’ EVER…BECAUSE YOU ARE HERE!
Love!
Nici,
What a swirl of exciting goodness in your world right now! It will be so amazing to land in your new house in winter and watch spring wake up on your property.
I hope your travels to Minnesota are sweet and that maybe there’s a date or two for you and Andy.
With love,
Rachel
Merry Christmas to you & your gorgeous family Nici. I lurve Margot’s song 🙂 Happy days!! xx
Love this 🙂 I haven’t read in a while as December got crazy! But, so glad I’m back, and I *love* Margot’s song 😀
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