The last quarter of 2012 Mister Mister was called to work out-of-town full-time.
Consequently, the majority of our end of the year/holiday traditions ended up being canceled.
All be it sad and disappointed by this, we understood that it was necessary for the time being and we were thankful that he was given the job opportunity.
Meanwhile, Lovey and I improvised, continuing to make memories because life couldn’t come to a complete standstill.
There are certain experiences, traditions and memories though of which we always want to consist of all three of us. For those things we would pick up where we left off the next year and make the most of the interim.
Although time seemed to move ever so slowly as Lovey and I were missing Mister Mister while he was far away from home, in reality it flew by.
It left us and the upcoming back to back holidays in a whirlwind, so much so that I never manged a single holiday post!
So this is a catch up post of our whirlwind, 2012 holiday season.
HALLOWEEN
Lovey chose to be his favorite Red Power Ranger for Halloween.
My favorite part of his costume was his matching candy bag.
His favorite part was well, being a Power Ranger. 
We trick or treated briefly in Lovey’s Nana’s neighborhood then headed home to do the same in our own.
Halloween reminded me how much I adore Lovey’s personality… calm and courteous. He held my hand as we walked around our neighborhood. He rang the door bells {as he is tall enough to reach them on his own this year!} and waited patiently. He would say trick or treat in the sweetest voice then once offered his choice of candies he would take only one and say thank you.
It maskes a Mama’s heart proud to hear from others how well-mannered he is.
We are not too big on candy at our house so I let Lovey pick out two pieces to reward him for a job well done. He chose a sucker and a box of dots. I checked them and he was a happy boy. I put the rest away for Mister Mister to pick out a few pieces and me to pick out a few mini chocolates then the rest to give away. Seriously, who can eat that much candy anyways?! 
Lovey got ready for bed and put on his Halloween pjs which he had been anxiously waiting to get to wear that night. My little cutie. 
Check out Halloween 2011 & Halloween 2010
THANKSGIVING
Mister Mister was off work and back home two days for Thanksgiving.
I made dinner and dessert for the first Thanksgiving spent as just the three of us.
It was lovely.
We pulled the Christmas tree out of the garage and began the decorating for the Christmas season.
We did some pre black friday shopping that night then regular black friday shopping the the next day.
Lonnng lines but good deals that I had organized on a list weeks in advance. Yep, I’m that lady carrying a list around as I shop even through the mayhem of the busiest shopping day of the year. It helps me stay focused so that I don’t end up like Dug in the movie Up… squirrel! likely resulting in a cart full of ridiculous purchases because you know, everything is on sale.
CHRISTMAS
Our favorite time of year.
So thankful that we were healthy, happy, warm and together.
We were so very blessed. 
Lovey received a special Toy Story stocking from his Tia K.
Hand made blanket from his Great-Great Aunt J.
A favorite new game from Grammy and Grampy.
Opening gifts with Daddy.
Cozy new blanket snuggles.
I love you too, my sweet little Lovey!
Check out Christmas 2011 & Christmas 2010
NEW YEARS
New Year’s Eve we received a light dusting of snow, enough to pique Lovey’s interest so we bundled up and spent some time playing in our back yard. Afterwards I made us all hot cocoa to warm us up.
That night, out of the blue Lovey put himself to bed without our help.
There were certainly no complaints from us.
Mister Mister and I managed to keep our eyes open until the midnight hour, long enough for a quick smooch and an exchange of Happy New Year.
Such party animals we are.
* * * * * *
Having Mister Mister away all that time made the three of us cherish our family more than ever when he was back home with us.
The time that we did have together outweighed all that we didn’t.
Hot Wheels filled eggs received ooh’s and awe’s from Lovey. 
There was a bunny puzzle.
And table top bunny bowling too.
The biggest hit in Lovey’s basket was his ring pop. 
My favorites were the fun Easter colored deviled eggs and of course the chocolate bunny cake.
I hid eggs in the back yard for Lovey to hunt.
Always such a handsome, little gentleman. 
That evening we went out for dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant then back home to round out the day in comfy clothes and some cuddles on the couch.
