Christmas in a Box

Last week Santa sent an elf to our home.  The girls were intrigued by the "Elf on a Shelf" and eagerly listened as I read the story.  Part of adopting an elf is coming up with a name.  Isabella said " I know, Lacey is a good name.  Yup, that's a good name!"  Sophia seemed to agree and now our Schaefer family elf is officially called Lacey.  As the story goes, our Elf returns every night to see Santa and report good and bad behavior to Santa.  Since the Elf travels at night he always pops up in a new place every morning.  The girls enjoy going on an Elf hunt every morning.  So far, Lacey's magic is working wonders!

Lacey, our silly elf, riding the rooster.

'Tis the holiday season to decorate for Christmas.  The girls enjoyed playing in the tree box more than decorating the tree.  It was their magic fort.   At least it kept them busy so we were able to finish decorating.

Christmas in a Box



Forever Friends

Sweet Sisters

Christmas Spirit comes in lots of different packages!

Give Thanks

We spent Thanksgiving at home this year relaxing and having fun!  My family came into town to visit and the girls were thrilled to spend time with their grandparents.  We enjoyed the traditional holiday meal (plus all the leftovers) and the girls favorite part of the meal was the turkey cookies.  On Friday evening we went to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to check out the fabulous holiday light display.  It was fun to work our way through the light maze, climb the tree house and see the train display.  Sophia was happy they had a "Thomas" train too!

On thanksgiving, we were thankful to be surrounded by our family and enjoy the beautiful weather.  It was fun & festive way to kick off the holiday season. 

Turkey Cookies by Mom



Working off calories



Leaf etching with my girls

Isabella is excited to see how popcorn is made (other than a bag in the microwave)

Snap, crackle, pop

Will & Sophia on a late night stroll at Lewis Ginter

PopPop & Sophia found a new home

"I LOVE the lights, Daddy!"

Isabella was mesmerized with the train display

Sophia was looking for "Thomas" and found him!

Our family

The girls with Pop-Pop & G-mom

Sophia was tired and ready for snuggles with PopPop

Isabella was ready for bed and happy to be carried to the car

We enjoyed the holiday and feel very thankful for our family, health and home.  We hope you all had a wonderful holiday too.

A Day of Beauty

Sophia had her 1st hair cut last weekend.  Isabella went first to show Sophia not to be scared.  Isabella loved getting her hair cut in a car and pretended to drive it around.  Thankfully, the hairdresser was fast and Isabella popped out for Sophia's turn.  Sophia was excited to get in the car and sat very still like a big girl.  At the end we finally got a little smile out of Sophia.  When I asked Sophia if she liked getting her haircut she nodded yes and sayed "pop" (with a huge smile on her face).  Clearly, the favorite part of Sophia's hair cut was the lolly-pop she picked out at the end.  Fifi then told me her name was Schaefer!  Next, she said her name was Isabella and giggled.  My sweet Sophia has a great sense of humor!

During nap time Isabella & I went out for a Mommy- Daughter mani/pedi.   Isabella felt like such a big girl!  She giggled a lot when they rubbed her feet.  Her color of choice was not only pink, but HOT pink!  I enjoyed the time with Isabella and we are both loving our pretty painted nails.

Celebrate the little things

Just as its important to stop and smell the flowers, my children love to pause and enjoy life.  The excitement to the world around them is contagious.  I love to see life through my daughters eyes.  Sometimes in life its the little things that make the biggest impact.  Who knew how many smiles would come from a pile of leaves?  Clearly, Isabella & Sophia did!

 

As Thanksgiving approaches,  I am reminded by my children to be thankful for the ltitle things in life.  Sometime those are the things that take up the biggest part of our heart. 

13.1 Get it done!

Saturday I achieved a few personal records.  (1)  I ran a half marathon in 2:07 which was a 21 minute improvement over last year.  (2)  I ran 18 miles which is the most I have ever run in one day.  You must be wondering why I ran 18 when the race was only 13.1 miles.  Well, after my race I joined a few friends who were running the marathon thus the higher mileage.  It was an epic day despite the crazy morning.   Between Will's kidney stone/pain and me chipping a tooth I wondered how I could crank out a great race.  Somehow it happened and I am thrilled its over!  Now if Will could just pass the kidney stone that would be great!



Racing to the finish line!

Fifi is proud of Mommy's finishers medal

Isabella was happy I was home from running

Is it nap time yet?

Princess Playdate

Last week the girls enjoyed a fun play date at home.  Isabella loved playing dress up with her friend Madelyn and Sophia enjoyed having Clark style her hair.  The girls love to have their friends over to play.

Madelyn & Isabella in the cottage

Clark & Sophia

"Color Please?"

The girls love to color and Sophia request to color every time she sees a pen, pencil or crayon.  Sophia's makes lots of tight zigzag lines and Isabella likes to color within the lines.  I love to see art emerging from my children at a young age.  Its a neat process to observe.  Here are a few pics of the girls coloring the morning away...