Ringing in 2011 (and Show Me the Mommy winner)

Our family had almost two full weeks of no school and no work. I would say this was the easiest and most enjoyable Christmas break we've enjoyed together. Part of it is the boys' independence and part of it is having enough space for everyone.

We finished out our Christmas Fun List with the Eighth Annual Case Family Smashing of the Gingerbread Houses.




Jon and I started this tradition the year we moved in together. We had so much fun we said we'd do it every year.

(Nate's shirt is a Christmas present for Jon... custom Vikings shirts for the boys with "N. CASE" and "A. CASE" on the back. I got them from a local etsy seller. Love!)




This year, the Smashing went quickly despite having four gingerbread houses.




(They're not trying to be cool. They're wearing "safety goggles.")




The boys were able to smash them in one shot so next year I will be using this hot glue gun method for construction and decorating. Mass production, if you will. Maybe even a Smashing party.




Last year I switched to goals instead of resolutions. My goals were to improve my photography (oh HELL YEAH), stay in shape (again HELL YEAH), and stay present in more moments (again! HY!). I intend for 2011 to be Best Year Ever with pretty much the same goals. I'm adding a goal to focus more time connecting in person with my friends.

I'll be continuing Show Me the Mommy this year and hope you will join me. I was so impressed and touched by all your photos, some of you I saw for the first time! Three posts particularly moved me so I decided all three people win.

• This post by Megan blew me away. Love every single word of it.
  
• This post by London made me cry. I kept this post with me throughout the holidays.
  
• And this post by Jodi is EXACTLY why I started Show Me the Mommy. Unfortunately Jodi doesn't win a gift card, since she's local I'm going to take her out for coffee and chat in person!