Big Girl Bike Ride

Since she was a baby, Lily Grace has always done this adorable, big open mouth smile when she gets excited. It melts us every time and she loves to hear us remind her of it.

As I have mentioned before, Lily Grace's biggest Christmas wish was for a big girl, purple princess bike. Santa was kind enough to bring her one. However, it has been so cold since Christmas that she has only been able to ride it around inside the house.

This afternoon, though it was still very cold, we bundled up for her first big girl bike ride around our cove. She was so excited (once we convinced her that yes, the tires would get dirty and yes, that was alright- ha!) and most proud of her bike and herself.

Matt and I had the best time freezing along beside her. It is a Christmas memory we will cherish always.

Oh! And on a side note, yes, she does have a helmet, but we totally forgot it in making sure she had her head and ears covered. Daddy walked right beside her to ensure that her first ride didn't lead to any scrapes or bruises.

Merry Christmas!

A look at what Santa left behind

New doll "Loli" was the first thing she went for

A new bathtub to bathe Loli and all her dolls

Darby is quite the helper and yes, nosey

Content with her own gift and having torn up lots of paper

The new dress up clothes quickly come out

Taking it all in

THE purple princess bike

Daddy and I get a Christmas performance

Even princesses like to play trains

Santa has once again paid us a visit. We were up a little after 6:00 am this morning to see just what he had left behind.

We have spent the day playing and having fun. (and of course eating and napping- ha!) And through all the gift wrap, presents and excitement, it's the birth of our Savior and the blessings He pours on us each and every day, especially that of time with family that we will remember and cherish the most.

We certainly hope you have enjoyed a fun and blessed day.

Merry Christmas!

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Christmas Eve breakfast at the Peabody

Putting out Reindeer Hay

And of course, milk and cookies for Santa

Through the rain, not snow

Off to church we did go

We sang songs and gave thanks

For the birth of a King

After all, that's what Christmas really means

Once back home, a warm dinner we did eat

Then put out reindeer hay and cookies for Santa

Oh! What yummy treats

Lily dressed in Christmas pajamas

Gave out one last kiss and hug

Then mommy made sure she was warm and snug

Daddy and I are now off to get sleep

Excited to see what morning does bring

And until then...

We wish you a Merry Christmas

And of course, sugarplum dreams

Cute Little Elf

My little elf and I have been very busy baking up some Christmas goodies. This afternoon we made Rice Crispie treats and cookies for Santa. (What a yummy day for daddy to start his holiday vacation.)

Daddy and I happen to think that Santa's elves are no match for our cutie.

Girls Day!

Today, my dear friend Gretchen and I got to do something we have been wanting to do with our girls and decided that Christmas would be the perfect time. We wanted the girls to start a little holiday tradition of having a special day together- just the girls.

Lily Grace has been so excited and couldn't wait to get the day started. We met Gretchen and Claire at the mall. The girls immediately ran toward each other and giggles ensued. It was too cute.

We started out at Build-A-Bear where Lily Grace stuffed a moose which she named Rascal. They had the best time stuffing, washing and dressing their animals.

Our next stop was a carousel ride, but on our way upstairs we stopped by to say hello to Santa. He was so kind and let both girls have a seat with him to chat. They were adorable and Gretchen and I both found ourselves a little teary at the site.

Lunch was our last stop. Lily Grace enjoyed her first milkshake and both girls enjoyed the day and each other to the very last minute.

It's amazing the people God places in our lives. We are so blessed to share such special times in such special ways with people we call friends!!!!!!

The Nutcracker

Tonight was a very special night for Lily Grace. She attended her first ballet- The Nutcracker. She has been so excited and counting down the days. We have read and enjoyed the story several times while waiting for the big day to arrive.

She was our "ticket holder." She took this job very serious and was so proud.

She was in awe of the Orpheum Theater and in particular the beautiful Player Piano in the lobby. She was mesmerized with the ballet. ( after Matt and I explained to her several times why she couldn't go down on the stage and dance with the other dancers) She had several "favorite parts," like the sugarplum fairy, sleigh ride, of course the snow and the snowflake dancers.

Once home, she immediately had to perform the dance herself. She had daddy twirling her and doing lifts. When they finished, she proceeded to ask him where her flowers were because the girl gets flowers at the end. Too cute! Daddy has become a quick study. He's learned that words of reason can make for a long conversation, but make believe, even when it comes to flowers goes a long way to satisfy a little girls take on how things should be. :-)

We can't wait to take Lily Grace back year after year and see how her favorite parts change, how she reacts and just enjoy a very special time with her.

Christmas Party!

Yesterday, Lily Grace enjoyed our little annual Christmas party with friends. They had fun decorating Gingerbread houses, eating pizza and cute reindeer treats (thanks Miss Misty), a book exchange (thanks for the book Elliot) and always- lots and lots of fun!!!!! We always have a great time when we are all together. It truly is special to watch them all grow together and enjoy special times.

Well, we have another big holiday event coming up this weekend, so be sure and check back.

Cookies and a Parade

This past weekend, Gran flew up for a visit. In between being spoiled rotten by Gran, Lily Grace enjoyed baking cookies. She is quickly becoming quite the little cook. Several layers of clothes later, she got to enjoy a few of those cookies at her first Christmas Parade. Did I mention it was FREEEEEEEEEEEEZING?? Did I mention that this parade started after sundown and it was 34 degrees? Oh! And did I mention it was freezing, but fun nonetheless?

Holiday Fun!

We are enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We have also stayed quite busy preparing for Christmas.

Lily Grace made her annual visit to see Santa and was most excited to share her list. So, what's at the top of her wish list? Topping this year's list is a purple, princess, big girl bike with tassels. Don't you just love all those minor details? HA! (Make note of her adorable new hair cut in her picture. According to her, it's a Snow White cut. Click on the picture to see it up close.)

We also ventured out to find this year's tree. Two trees knocked over, two lots, 100 rounds of Jingle Bells (Lily's favorite Christmas song this year) and an extended conversation with a three year old about why we aren't getting the tree that is" just her size," we have a tree. Lily Grace served as daddy's "light princess" and helped put all the lights on. Only daddy could make holding lights and walking around in circle over and over sound like an honor. HA!

Lily Grace and I got busy on our Gingerbread ornaments and all is decorated.

Tonight we are off to see Starry Nights and of course enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.

We certainly hope all of you are enjoying your holiday weekend and making special memories!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good..." Psalm 107

Imagine That!

Lily Grace's imagination has been on overload lately and definitely provides us with some good entertainment. Here are just two examples.

Yesterday, I see her bent over walking around. I then hear her comment about having found a "clue." I ask her what she is talking about. She turns around and looks up with a small strainer over her eye. She tells me that she is searching for clues as to who ate the pie. When I inquire about the strainer on her eye, she informs me that it is her "looking glass."

This morning she is at her easel drawing. I look over and see something sticking off of her head. I call her name to ask her about it. As she turns around, I immediately start laughing. She looks hilarious. She explains to me that she is Santa. I'm thinking, you are wearing a toy stethoscope on your head, how does that make you Santa? And yet again, she has a quick response. "See mommy, I am pretending that this is my pointed hat with the top folded over with the ball on the end of it, just like Santa." Too funny! Needless to say, she keeps us laughing and we are enjoying every second of it.