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Last night, we hosted our first Christmas gathering. It was informal and easy, the perfect way to kick off the holidays.

Riley’s great aunt and birth mother joined us for dinner and presents. Tia, Riley’s great aunt, always spoils us. I’m sure I’ve told you before, she treats all the kids as her own and we love her so very much for that.

She has become family to us, adopting us all, in our loud and often messy world. Riley’s birth mother, Emily, joined us. This past year has been such a special and tender time of learning one another and together, loving a little red head so completely. It makes things easier, that we share a common love. We know there isn’t much we can’t get through knowing we both know we just want Riley to have a wonderful life.

Since Nate had finals the next day, I wanted to do something that would be fun and festive, but keep him from being too distracted. A hot chocolate bar was the perfect pick me up.

It is my firm opinion that studying must be rewarded with chocolate and marshmallows. Nate agrees.

As I made my homemade chili, the requested dinner of choice, the little ones kept sneaking marshmallows. If you worry about sticky, little fingers getting into the marshmallows, I’ll let you in on my secret. I use a small muffin tin and line it with cupcake liners. I fill each with mini marshmallows, and the little ones know they can take one cupcake liner out and those are their very own marshmallows, to lick and stick and eat.

The evening was filled with impromptu talent shows and changing into new clothes from Tia right away. She has a knack for always picking the most precious outfits.

The hot chocolate bar was a hit and the chili was delicious. It was perfectly relaxed and will definately be a repeat menu!

I found everything I needed at World Market and the recipe for delicious hot chocolate could not be easier:

• 1 cup whole milk
• Heat to desired temperature
• 2 Tablespoons of Torani Puremade Dark Chocolate Sauce – free from artificial flavors, colors and preservatives
• Add 1 Tablespoon of any of the other delicious Torani Puremade Sauce flavors – White Chocolate, Carmel, and Chocolate Carmel were big hits!

You can also find everything you need online at torani.com.

I wish you the best and brightest of holidays!