My family: 2011

Friday, December 30, 2011

Count down to Christmas

Yes, I realize that the title of this post "count down to Christmas" is odd since Christmas was last weekend, however I am beind on blog posting. So let me play catch up. I have a ton of Christmas photos and will post them soon. Here are a few for now...

In the weeks leading up the Christmas Isabella watched the Nutcracker Ballet a few times and loved to dress herself (like the photo shown)

Not only did Isabella dress like a ballerina but she also liked to dress as Mary. With a "shroud" (or in our home a Hello Kitty blanket) over her head, Isabella acted as Mary and exclaimed that Sophia was to be Joseph and they needed to find baby Jesus.

Joseph & Mary

Christmas would not be complete with out a trip to see Christmas lights! The girls love driving around and checking them out. Sophia always says "more lights!" even if she is tired.

Santa Bella & Frosty Sophie

Lights!

Great camera!

Action!

Thing 1 & Thing 2

Our elf Lacey, on his final night with us 12/23

Choo Choo

Stay tuned for lots more holidays photos!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Preschool Holiday

Isabella loves preschool! Last week I volunteered to help with the classroom Christmas party. The kids decorated cookies, made ornaments, colored and I read/sang Frosty the Snowman. Isabella liked having me in her class and Sophia was thrilled to be part of the action. Sophia was such a big girl sitting next to Isabella. After the party we joined the class on the playground. Both girls ran to the sandbox for some outside fun. The following day was Isabella's Holiday program at preschool. My family came down for the show which was a treat for all of us. The performance was cute and I have a few videos below.

Here are my little munchkins enjoying the festivities!!

decorating cookies & enjoying snack time

Coloring

Isabella gets into her play in the sand

Sophia plays very neat in the sand

Hi Mom!

The girls & grandmom

Ornament Isabella made at preschool

Here are a few videos from the Holiday Program:

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Santa

Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus right down Cutler Ridge Drive...

I know two little girls who were excited to see Santa this week. They continued to be excited until the moment when it was time to talk to Santa. Isabella went right up and sat on Santa's lap. Sophia, on the other hand, started shaking with fear. Santa helped get Sophia comfortable by showing her a book. That worked to at least get Sophia on his lap. There were some tears but after being handed a candy cane the tears were gone long enough to take the picture.

Leaving the house to see Santa.

Hanging out in Short Pump Mall waiting for Santa to arrive

A few days later we paid another visit to Santa, but as you all know Santa is very busy and needs to travel to see all the girls & boys. Thus, we had to drive to Bass Pro Shop to check out the jolly old man. Isabella was excited to see Santa again and tell him that she wanted a pink ring for Christmas. Sophia slowly made her way to see Santa and check him out. Isabella offered her hand for Sophia to hold and there was a stool so she did not have to get on his lap. Perfect combo for a Santa picture. Oh and Sophia told Santa she wants "pink" for Christmas.

Train table at Bass Pro

Dear Santa letters

Sending their letters to Santa

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Joy of the Season

I love the Christmas season and that my girls are enjoying it too. This year we are doing an activity advent calendar. Every day we have a fun event planned to celebrate the season. The advent activities from the past few days are:

Friday: Christmas Party with Playgroup

Saturday: Make wrapping paper

Sunday: Attend a live nativity

Monday: Visit Santa

Today: Christmas Music Dance party

Here are pics of us enjoying our advent activities.

Ready for playgroup party

Loading up on accessories & cookies

Gingerbread ornament Isabella made at the party

"First we need eggs, then milk, the sugar..."

Isabella loves to help me bake. She added an extra dose of sweetness to the batch.

Making wrapping paper from grocery bags

Sophia likes to stamp the tree cookie cuter on her paper.

The girls dressed up to see the live nativity at Isabella's preschool (church). The hour long show was wonderful. Sophia loved seeing "baby Jesus" on stage and Isabella was amazed by the angel hovering above the scene. After the show, we enjoyed "Camels & Cookies" hosted by the church. Not only did they have live camels but they also had llamas, donkeys, lions and tigers.

Excited to hear about "Baby Jesus"

Excited to see animals and see her friends

Loving my little angels

Live Nativity performance

Our arms are full of joy!

Madelyn, Ellie, Isabella & Sophia enjoyed the show!

From our home to yours, I hope you are enjoying the joys of season. Happy Holidays.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Love is patient. Love is kind.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love"

1 Corinthians 13

Meredith & Sean were married just a few days ago. The much anticipated event made for a whirlwind weekend of fun. Friday was the rehearsal followed by dinner at Ruth Chris. The girls had fun playing with the other kids who were also in the wedding. Isabella went right up to James (the ring bearer) and introduced herself. She is not shy! Then she wrapped her arm around him for the photo.

Rehearsal- kids in the wedding party

The Rehearsal

Saturday, the day of the wedding, went by fast. I did Meredith's makeup for the wedding which made for special time alone with the bride on her big day. It was a very hectic day day to be a makeup artist and have our little family in the wedding. Will looked so handsome in his tux and Isabella & Sophia were absolutely precious! The girls loved their fancy flower girl dresses and did great! Sophia walked down the aisle all by herself and looked so proud. Isabella walked in beaming while holding her bouquet of flowers. We had front row seats for the wedding which was a treat! During the procession I was to be escorted out of the church by a groomsman. I also had Isabella & Sophia walking out with me. However, I did not notice that Sophia had walked in front of me and I knocked her down! Not only did I feel like a bad Mom, but also a bad bridesmaid. Sophia was fine but I felt bad. Anyway, at this point the girls were tired and ready to go. They had a fun night planned...they were having their very first sleepover. Also, it was the 1st time I have ever been away from my children overnight (other than when I was in the hospital having Sophia). They were super excited to spend the night with PopPop & Grandmom! We are very lucky that my family was able to come and help out with the girls so Will & I could enjoy a night out. The reception was a blast!! The food was delicious and the band was great! Not only did I give a toast to Meredith & Sean but Will even made it out on the dance floor a few times. I have photos as proof!