Christmas Morning!

We had two very excited little girls Christmas morning.    There were a lot of squeals and dancing when they discovered Santa came to our house.  Andy and I enjoyed a quiet day with our girls which involved a lot of coloring, dolls, playing new games, and even painting finger nails.  All treasured moments.  Among all the activities, we discovered that Adeline is better than both of us combined at Memory.  

tHE

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents and siblings.  It was great to all be together.  As always the cousins had an absolute blast-  they played and played.  We had an extra special visitor this year, Santa!

Wild One!

Adeline playing hair stylist didn't turn out too well for Scarlet.

It's the simple things...

Fingers, Paint, & Trees, Oh My!

Gingerbread House

The girls are celebrating the creation and the destruction of their gingerbread house. 

Adeline's Nativity Play

"Don't be afraid, I have good news for you-  Baby Jesus is Born!"  We heard that line being practiced repeatedly as Adeline was getting ready for her Christmas program.  Adeline was an angel with her classmates in her preschool Nativity play.  It was just beautiful, their songs and performance was absolutely precious!  I don't know how they organized all those little ones, but it was impressive.

Adeline walking down the aisle after her performance as she spotted us in the audience.

Scarlet watching her big sister.

Adeline as an angel with her classmates.

Quick family photo after the program.

Gaga Jody was able to leave work and come watch Adeline.  

As the snow is falling-

I just love the feeling of a first snowfall.   Although, today with the recent events of the weekend I felt compelled to share something that I read.  As I see the snow falling outside my window, I can't help but think of all of those left behind and not having the chance to play in the snow with their little ones.  As all of our hearts are going out to all those involved in this horrific tragedy,  I think we all held our loved ones a little bit longer...

"Now is the time ...
Now is the time to look into their eyes until they succumb to sleep.
Now is the time to say 'I love you' so many times you lose your voice.
Now is the time to hold them until your arms grow tired.
Now is the time to laugh until your belly hurts.

Now is the time to listen and absorb every silly, tender word.
Now is the time to memorize every smile.
Now is the time to think thoughts of gratitude until you account for every blessing.
Now it the time to perceive ordinary moments as gifts.
Now is the time to live in THIS moment.
Now is the time; now is the time.
Because you just never know what’s about to come your way."
Rachel Macy Stafford©

May these words become actions in honor of those experiencing unimaginable loss and pain today. 

http://www.handsfreemama.com/

First Christmas Spoon Ornament

Scarlet just had too much curiosity and had to taste her "First Christmas Ornament" from last year, that happens to be a silver spoon.

Snowy Christmas Princesses??

Adeline requested for both her and Scarlet to wear their Christmas dresses. So I let them try them on while they danced to Christmas music.  Adeline informed me that they were "Snowy Christmas Princesses".  These pictures tell quite a story.  It started nicely as they shared the seat.  Soon, Adeline pushed Scarlet off the seat.  Well, Scarlet wasn't going to let that slide...

Before Adeline pushed Scarlet off the seat.  Everyone is happy!

Everyone has recovered (so I thought) and Scarlet decides to pay Adeline back.

Scarlet seems pretty happy with her decision, until...

I tell Scarlet that wasn't nice and she needs to go for a time-out.  (just like Adeline did a few minutes prior)

Yummy, Creek

I wasn't surprised to see Creek among the sugar cookies..  he is one smart elf.

Christmas Cookie Time

This is my favorite time of the year!  The girls had a blast decorating and eating cookies.. it was more like eating while decorating.  

Good Morning, Girl!

 I wish you could hear the way she sits and talks to Layla.. oh, the conversations they have together.  The first thing Adeline does when we come home from anywhere is, "Layla, girl; Layla, girl-  where are you?  I missed you, girl."  Andy and I don't know where she gets the "girl" part but it cracks us up.

Another Sugar Cookie?

Ms. Scarlet sure loves those sugar cookies!

Santa!

There was an unexpected visitor this morning at the Children's Museum.  Adeline told Santa she wanted a Sleeping Beauty doll and that Scarlet wanted a Cinderella doll.

Giggles!

Poinsettia & Train Show

Andy and I took the girls to the Poinsettia and Train Show at the Lauritzen Gardens where we got married.

Undies!

Scarlet is getting excited about big girl undies!

Uh, Oh!

When Adeline didn't know I was watching.. I found her getting a little too close to Creek-  we don't want him to lose his magic!

Welcome Back, Creek!

Our Elf on a Shelf, Creek is back and he has found himself in some odd places.  While the girls were sleeping he got into the hot cocoa.  Silly, Creek.

Happy Holidays from Our Crib to Yours!

So, Andy saw this spot on the way home from breakfast this morning and pulled over because he tried to convince me to use these as our Christmas card pictures.