the order of the phoenix

Last year on Christmas Eve morning we descended on our friend, Carol, with champagne, doughnuts, and kiddos, in a supreme effort to cheer her up in the best way possible. Over the past few years, our little group has had successes, heartbreak, big wins, huge losses, gallons of tears, and uncontrollable laughter. All part of the rich pageant of life---and I wouldn't want to do it with anyone but these ladies.

So this year, we decided to continue the Christmas Eve morning tradition. Stephenie generously opened up her home to us, so we could sit around the fire and all have house envy. In all seriousness, it was simply a lovely relaxing morning of breakfast burritos and champagne. Breakfast of exhausted mothers everywhere.

The kids played together, even the littlest ones, and we just snuggled on the couch and chatted. Perfection. We all agree that our kids have to get along because we are going to force them to be friends just so we can always hang out. Those of us with daughters are polishing said daughter's resume in order to win over Stephenie's adorable son. Personally, I think J1 is a top contender at the moment (speaking purely objectively, obviously), but she's got some stiff competition.

Even Gus has expressly mentioned that I have a good group of girlfriends. These are the women I talk to every. single. day. A girl needs that. So cheers to the Phoenix School moms! Love and appreciate you all more than I will ever be able to tell you. Thanks for kicking off my Christmas weekend in the most perfect way possible!