Happy Holidays

No holiday season would be complete without an ugly Christmas sweater or two. Luckily for us, we have the Butler’s Annual Christmas Party to look forward to each year. This year did not disappoint! I did not win the ugly sweater contest, but I did retain my title of “Queen of Christmas Trivia.” I won the trivia game last year, but this year I just killed it. Apparently listening to Christmas music for six weeks straight each year is truly paying off. 

Here are some pictures of everyone in their “beautiful” sweaters. (Click to enlarge.)

However, my favorite photo of the night goes to Sean and Curtis, who just happened to show up in the exact same ugly turtleneck. Fate? I think so! The Bobbsey Twins made a beautiful couple that night. It’s like they were reading each other’s ugly sweater minds. A perfect holiday treat!

Disneyland + Christmas = Magic

It’s the most wonderful time of year, and the best place to spend that time is in the happiest place on earth. We decided to hit the road again and visit Disneyland with our dear friends, the Jacobs. We went to Disneyland with the Jacobs two years ago and each trip just gets better and better! We had an absolute blast. The parks were crowded, but since we are Fast Pass and planning experts, we were able to pack in all our favorites and more.

The holiday decorations were delightful!

Vanessa and I drank mint juleps by the gallon. More refills please!!!!

The fireworks and “snow” on Main St. were magical.

New Orleans Square is my favorite place to be. Can I live there?

Thank you Disneyland and Jacobs for an unforgettable time. 

All I Want For Christmas Is You

This week I heard some very disturbing news. Apparently Bulgaria has voted two of my favorite Christmas songs as the two most annoying Christmas songs of all time. Rude! Wham’s Last Christmas and Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You topped the list of Bulgaria’s hated tunes. My jaw dropped in horror as I read these disgusting results. 

First of all, nothing says happy holidays quite like a synthesizer and George Michael. Second, I can’t be friends with anyone who doesn’t absolutely love Mariah’s cheerful song. All I Want for Christmas is You is my most favorite Christmas song EVER. It makes me happy. It makes me pretend to sing like Mariah, and it makes me want to dance. I blast it in the car, on my iPod, I may have even downloaded it as a ringtone on my phone. Bulgaria, the moral of the story is that you and me, we are through. I’m taking you off of my travel list and we are over.  

In the meantime…I’m going to get back to my Christmas list…

I don't want a lot for Christmas.

There is just one thing I need.

I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.

I just want you for my own…more than you could ever know.

Make my wish come true…all I want for Christmas is you.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Have you ever wondered where to find America’s tallest Christmas tree? Well…look no further! Could it be the tree at Rockefeller Center? The White House? No…it’s at an outlet mall in Anthem, Arizona! Who knew, right?

We went to the Christmas tree lighting last weekend to enjoy the festivities. There’s nothing like a 110-foot tall fresh-cut white fir to get you in the Christmas spirit. Take that Rockefeller!

Someday My Prince Will Come

Okay…I admit it…I have royalty fever! I can’t get enough of Will and Kate! I was so excited to hear about their engagement. They are just darling and she will make a most perfect princess. I just love it! Apparently their engagement has conjured up all of these childhood obsessions of mine of princesses, Cinderella, and crown jewels. Who knew?

Unfortunately, I learned  that not everyone shares my love for royalty. Last night I excitedly announced to my husband, “Did you hear that Prince William gave Kate Princess Diana’s 18 karat blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring?”

As I said this, I was thinking things like… 

• Isn’t that adorable?
• He’s so romantic!
• Why don’t we have royalty in America? Remind me again?
• I wish I was a princess!

But my husband said things like…

• If I was a taxpayer in Great Britain I’d be furious!
• Those royalty are such a waste. 
• They should earn their own money.

Not the response I had anticipated. I guess it’s safe to say I will NOT be receiving a sapphire ring for Christmas this year. Oh well. Cheers to Will and Kate!

How to get to Sesame Street

Halloween is a big deal in my department at work. Everyone dresses up and gets in the holiday spirit. I didn't dress up last year, and I felt like a bad sport, so this year I made sure I participated. I got together with my friend Ashley and we decided to revisit a childhood classic…

Sunny day

Sweepin' the clouds away

On my way to where the air is sweet

The costumes ended up being pretty funny, if I do say so myself. We may not be as cute and cuddly as the original Elmo and Big Bird, but we had lots of fun. Our costumes were a big hit with our coworkers. Sadly, we lost the costume contest by only one vote (sad face). I guess we'll just have to try again next year.

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street...

Murder on the Grill

What do you get when you combine hilarious friends, delicious food, fabulous costumes, a limbo contest, and a murder? Only the best murder mystery dinner ever!

Last weekend we participated in a 1950s style murder mystery dinner. It was tons and tons of fun. We each dressed up and acted the part of a funny character such as a beauty queen, a hula hoop champ, a greaser, or a Russian scientist. We had lots of laughs trying to speak with funny accents and stay in character throughout the night. I actually ended up being the murderer of the evening (a beauty queen who would stop at nothing to win!), but luckily I redeemed myself by winning the limbo contest. A pretty impressive accomplishment, considering I was wearing a floor length evening gown.

It was our first murder mystery dinner, and I’m sure it won’t be our last. It was just too much fun! Thanks to our friends for a fantastic evening. Happy Halloween!

Click collage to enlarge.

Octopus Oracle

I hate it when my psychic octopus dies. Now who will we get to predict the winnner of the World Series? Rest in peace Paul, and go Giants!