Whew!  I love weekends, but I kind of crave the routine that weekdays force me to create.  This past weekend was a great combination of relaxation (ordered takeout and watched football in my pajamas Friday night), fun (birthday party, date night, Irish victory, playdate) and productivity (grocery shopping, meal planning, and photo shoot for Christmas card).  Also, my husband finally had the spare time to attack a tree that fell in our backyard during Irma last month, which led to the most adorable (and completely spur of the moment) backyard creation EVER.  Gorgeous weather was the icing on the cake.

Emery’s dear friend (they met as infants in a mommy-and-me gymnastics class) was able to join us for a taco bar Sunday.  Emery and H have stayed super close over the years, despite attending different elementary schools.  This probably has something to do with the fact that H’s mother is one of my nearest and dearest friends.  Bonus:  H’s little sister is Bodie’s “girlfriend.”  We all love this entire family and were thrilled H and her sister could hang for a few hours Sunday.

While the girls were constructing their tacos, Bodie transformed into a human sushi roll with the help of my yoga mat.

This is the adorable yard art I alluded to at the beginning of this post.  Hubs got a little chainsaw happy and made a set of chairs and a bench (which the kids use as a table) out of the downed tree in our backyard.  The kids are over the moon with their new furniture.  I must admit, it’s pretty cute.  So far they’ve eaten two meals out there and practiced spelling words.

Bodie was a good sport and played house with Em, H, and P.  I think he secretly enjoyed it, despite acting like being married to P was cruel and unusual punishment.  Of course our trusty hound, Gipper, was in the midst of all the action.

So sweet with their American Girl dolls.

Alrighty, since this is a “Monogram Monday” post, I’ll move along to actual monograms.  Lots of holiday items found their way to my doorstop this past week.  I’m so impressed by all of you super prepared early birds!  The first item on my “to-do” list is a set of eight linen dinner napkins for some newlyweds.  The gift giver asked me to use this elegant “Paris” font and a festive gold thread color.  I am pleased as punch with how these turned out and love that EmeryBodie is able to contribute to a young couple’s new traditions.

Lastly, we couldn’t resist today’s picture perfect weather and, instead of working on a book report or practicing piano, the kids begged to bike/scooter to the neighborhood playground.  I followed close behind in my car because I didn’t think Bodie would make it all the way there and back home.  And I was correct.  We met up with quite a few friends at the playground and have no regrets about opting outside…until Thursday night when I’m screaming at Emery to finish her homework and study her spelling words.

That’s it for this Monday evening!  More Christmas items coming your way this week as well as baseball, the book fair, a recipe and grandparents day at school.  Never a dull moment.