Introducing... A, B, C!

Santa brought Adeline two goldfish and a snail for Christmas. She named them "ABC". So, since there are three of them we will go with "A", "B", and "C". Adeline loves to feed them.. not just fish food. Yesterday, I caught her trying to put a bracelet in the tank. She immediately told me that "they like it." Scarlet loves looking at the fish and will point up to the tank when she wants to be lifted up to take a look.

2012 is Around the Corner

As we were taking down our Christmas decorations, I couldn't help but look back and think of how fast the year has flown by and all of the changes. Last year, as I was taking down our tree Adeline was not quite two and I was pregnant with Scarlet. So much can change in a year. I am so grateful of Andy being so supportive as we made the decision for me to take a leave as an Instructional Facilitator to pursue me being home with the girls full time. So, as I take down our decorations I can't help but to wonder what 2012 will bring.
This year we added an advent calendar of mittens for a countdown to Christmas with an activity hidden in each mitten.
One last look at our Christmas tree all decorated. I love that the majority of our ornaments have been gifts and they are all so special. I just love seeing the girls' first ornaments as well as Andy & I's first Christmas ornaments. Plus, it is so nice to have special ornaments for our beloved pets. A great way to remember.
Our Christmas tree is almost ready to go outside. I am sure a few little critters will have fun playing in the branches.
I must show a close-up picture of Scarlet's stocking that was sent to us from her Great Aunt Jacque. Such a keepsake and we are so thankful of the time she spent to make it so special. We look forward to many Christmas memories with this darling stocking. Thank you!

See you next year, Creek!

This morning when Adeline woke up to look for Creek (our Elf on a Shelf), I reminded her that he went home with Santa to the North Pole and will be back next year. She said, "Oh, that's sad Mommy. I miss Creek, that is so sad." Her post holiday blues were quickly averted with a request for a sugar cookie for breakfast. I think we are all in need of some holiday detoxing!

Baby's First Christmas!

Hmm... I think I am going to sneak behind the couch to get this ornament.
This is my favorite ornament because it rings!
My mom told me "no", :(!
She may have moved me, but I will keep finding a way to get that ornament.

Merry Christmas!

We had such a wonderful weekend and are so very thankful for our family and friends near and far away. Adeline & Scarlet bring so much joy to our lives and we are especially mindful of this during the holidays. We hope you enjoy reading our updates from the weekend and we would like to wish you and yours a very warm season's greeting!

Baby Adeline

Adeline's Godparents, Jason & Jacque, gave Adeline this darling American Girl doll for Christmas. Adeline has named her "Baby Adeline" and loves to brush her hair (she formerly had pigtails). So far, "Baby Adeline" has went potty and gone to the grocery store, and even helped vacuum.

New Roommate

Buddies!

Christmas Morning!

Adeline made Santa's list and he delivered two goldfish to her for Christmas morning... he even threw in a snail. She named them "A", "B", & "C" :) Scarlet was very excited about all of the gift opening- I think she got plenty of practice for her big birthday in a couple of weeks. Here are a couple of pictures from Christmas morning, we actually ended up taking more video- but here are a few snapshots. The girls were on the move! A special thank you for the gifts from Great Aunt Jacque & Papa & Gaga Martin.

Christmas Eve, 2011

The girls LOVED their presents from Papa & Gaga Hughes and their Godparents on Christmas Eve- thanks so much! xoxo

The Boys!

As you can see the boys were thrilled over their autographed Nebraska footballs!

The Girls!

Papa Mike gave all of the little girls a little extra present this year. The girls loved playing with their soft teddy bears and puppies.

Family Pictures

Every year, the Christmas Eve family picture seems to get bigger. This year Scarlet was added to the mix!

Dressed & Ready

On Christmas Eve the girls were dressed and ready for the beginning of the holiday festivities. Gaga Susan & Papa Keith gave them these beautiful dresses. We started the evening with mass and then headed to my mom and dad's house. Unfortunately, Andy had to meet us a tad bit late because of a problem with a water heater at one of the rentals. Luckily, we were able to sit by Jacque & Katie at church because Adeline is quite the "entertainer" and I was grateful for the extra set of hands.

All I Want for Christmas

Adeline & Scarlet visited Santa today. Adeline ran up and gave him a big hug then when asked what she wanted for Christmas informed him that she wants a goldfish and her Baby Scarlet wants a pink dolly. Scarlet just kept turning her head and looking at him and then looking back at me... very serious. Santa gave Adeline a candy cane and once we got to the car, Adeline smashed it up and informed Andy and I that she "can't like the candy cane that Santa gave me-a, it is icky." Adeline frequently substitutes 'can't' for 'don't' which gives us a little extra chuckle. She also likes to add a little "a" at the end of "me" or "mommy" when she really wants to prove a point.

Tis the Season

It has been one full week at our house of the stomach bug... and I am so happy to say that this morning it has been 24 hours since the last symptom of anyone in our house. Yay! We are now ready for the holidays! :)

Santa Busy at Work

Santa was spotted checking his list as the girls tried peeking into his office.

Poinsettia Show at the Lauritzen Gardens

More than 5,000 poinsettia plants in the exhibit, highlighting a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree and decorated Christmas trees throughout. There were also model trains zooming in and out of the displays. The trains were Molly & Adeline's favorite. They were so excited waiting for the different trains to come by that they kept jumping up and down.

Adeline & Avery

I think Adeline is going to be the DD tonight.

Let me introduce you to...

CREEK! Creek is our elf on a shelf, name compliments of Adeline. Every morning Adeline wakes up, looking for Creek in a sing-songy voice- "Creek, where are you?" When she finds him she normally calls him "Silly Creek" or says, "Classic Creek, always hiding". Creek was introduced to the girls the same evening we went and picked out our first, live Christmas tree. It is just beautiful and I love the smell.

Let it Snow!

We are certainly enjoying a couple cuddly pajama days with the snow on the ground.

Where's Baby Scarlet?

As I was helping Adeline in the bathroom, I came to the kitchen to find that Scarlet had found a new spot. She was trying her best to get her hand in the drawer even with the safety latch.