All of these gift ideas I have shared before because these are items that last for years and that I use all the time! If you want to get something for the runner in your life (or yourself) these are all things they will love!

Lined Leggings – these leggings from Lululemon last forever and if you live in a cold climate they will keep your legs warm and happy all winter!

Peloton Treadmill – If you are ready to drop so real cash I had heard some great things about these! This would be a dream purchase for me, but I am also very happy with my Nordictrack!

Sarah Marie Studios – I want one of everything from her site! So good and awesome to support small businesses.

Goodr Glasses – These hold up, have great designs and are at a great price point!

Garmin GPS Watch – I have had many Garmin watches over the years, there are many different styles to meet the needs of any athlete, this is a top purchase. I wear my Fenix 5 everyday and love all of it’s functions.

Nathan VarpoHowe Hydration Vest – If you are buying for a distance runner or an aspiring ultra runner this vest is amazing. They also have a men’s version designed by Rob Krar. I love this one because the women’s is actually designed for a woman not just a small man’s version.

Running Jacket – This is the perfect layer for someone wanting to get into winter running! I have had mine since 2016 and it still wears and washes well.

Run Angel – Great for anyone who wants more safety on their runs!

Running Shoes – Everyone needs more shoes! If you don’t know their size and shoe preference a gift certificate to a local running store works great too.

Erica Sara Jewelry – Anything from Erica Sara is sure to be a winner!

What at the top of your list?

Today was a fairly typical December day for us. We have pretty lazy mornings since we don’t have to really be anywhere in the morning.

We met some friends at a playground in the morning, it’s been pretty cold, but it’s worth it to get outside and see our friends.

We have to eat lunch early because we have to leave the house at 11:45 to get Cannon to school.

After playing and preschool at home Emmy fell asleep in the car.

We visited the library to trade out our books and movies. The patio is one of Cannon’s favorite places to play.

Then we worked on some Christmas crafts before dinner.

I know that this year is special because I get so much time with both kiddos. Next year Cannon will be in school full time and Emmy will be in school half time. I am trying to soak in this year as much as possible knowing the going forward I won’t get all this quality time all together.

Over the weekend we went to Georgetown Colorado for the Christmas Market.

It was very cute, German style market.

It was very warm, I am so worried that we aren’t going to get enough rain this year and the state will be on fire all summer.

We also went up to Frisco for a little hike at Rainbow lakes. We really wanted to hike further but it was icy and we didn’t have any traction with us.

But it was beautiful and the kids were happy to get to finally play in some snow!

When we got home we worked on salt dough ornaments.

very excited about this project.

We had some yummy snacks….

And played at the playground even though it was freezing.

How was your weekend?

We love putting together teacher gifts especially because we appreciate our teacher so much!

We didn’t want to do anything too elaborate because we know what teachers want most is gift cards. We found these cute glass tumblers and just added some flair.

We made these tags, I am not crafty so this is the best I could do.

Added some holiday chocolates.

Tumblers – Walmart

Tags – Amazon

Yarn – Michaels

Chocolates + Gift Card – Target

Sweet Note included – Cannon =)

We actually got to see and talk to Santa this year.

Both kids loved it and got to tell Santa what they wanted.

Santa came to our neighborhood lodge and it was nice to be back.

Past Santa visits:

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The kids have never been really scared of Santa or cried on his lap. The Easter Bunny on the other hand has been terrifying!

One of my unpopular opinions is that Elf on the Shelf is fun.

I like thinking of things for the elves to be doing.

I hate thinking of the day that the kids won’t love this magic anymore.

Emmy was tired after preschool, sometimes I forget that she still needs rest time in the afternoon.

during school pick up she pulled her blanket over her head and fell asleep. I have started getting up early again to run so I feel the same way! I am hoping the recovery sticks this time so I am taking things REALLY slow but it’s hard because all I want to do is run every day. Pelaton is just not the same but I am trying to embrace it.

We started our day with a trip to the playground.

taking advantage of the sunshiny December we are having!

Emmy and I are doing a unit on colors.

It’s pretty fun learning with her.

We are working on teacher gifts this week, I wonder what Emerald will get me? LOL

We were so excited to get Cannon his second dose of the vaccine, feeling good about him being protected. He seemed completely other than a slightly sore arm.

Emmy and I are loving our girl time while Cannon is at school. The last two years Cannon and I got the afternoons together while Emmy napped and now it’s our turn.

We are loving getting holiday DVDs from the library for road trips.

Also loving adding some holiday fun to school snacks!

I keep finding new Christmas mugs that I love and buying them this year, I am obsessed, it’s becoming a problem. Sorry Cory!

My parents purchased a travel trailer at the end of the summer (I like to think they saw how much we love ours and wanted to join in on the fun). It was going to be a very long day for them so we got to have their dogs over for some puppy play care.

Humphry was very happy to have some friends over to play.

My mom also made our Christmas board for us and I LOVE it. I need to round up pictures of all the boards she has done for us, they are all so good!

We covered the couch in blankets so all the puppies and kids could cuddle together. We are obsessed with soft blankets.

Cannon had school in the afternoon so Emmy and I did preschool that included making some pumpkin bread. I feel like baking is such a good learning tool for kids!

After school we went to the library and played, one of our favorite things to do when it’s not too cold.

LOVE books, obsessed!

What are you obsessed with this season?

It’s December so that means baking season. There are so many fun treats this time of year but we have a handful of favorites we come back to and make every year. It’s very fun to share these traditions with the kids.

It’s officially baking week! I have handful of favorite holiday treats that I make every year to share with family and friends.

I thought I would share a few incase you are looking for some fun easy recipes to try:

Grinch Cookies:

https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cran-pistachio-cookies/e36c24c7-851f-4785-8a9e-13672ef9d97c

These are so easy, delicious and unique. We call them grinch cookies because of their green color.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fudge

https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/recipe/057411/creamy-marshmallow-peanut-butter-fudge

This fudge is so good and again easy to make! We also make our chocolate fudge using this recipe by subbing chocolate chips in and adding chopped walnuts.

Cranberry Orange Cakehttps://www.alattefood.com/cranberry-orange-cake/embed/#?secret=qsI90CyNRS

I am not a hug fan of pie and right after thanksgiving I like something different. This cake is SO good! It’s unique and a very good replacement for pie.

Monkey Bread

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/7110/quick-and-easy-monkey-bread/

These are our Christmas morning tradition. They have to sit overnight but are again easy and so good. Maybe not as pretty as cinnamon rolls but I think they taste better.

Peppermint Barkhttps://www.dinneratthezoo.com/peppermint-bark-recipe/embed/#?secret=zzeIZBZ1u4

I always make this peppermint bark for my family for their stockings.

Truffles

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/41236/easy-decadent-truffles/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringContentType=Search&clickId=cardslot%202

These are Cory’s favorites but I don’t always have time to make them so they are great valentines treats as well.

What are some of your favorite holiday recipes?