December 2015

We had a very special Christmas and month leading up to it, and I feel like we did more Christmassy things around the house and less outings, which kept things relaxing.  Those are the little things that really make it feel like Christmas to me... movie nights, cookies... The special things we did were great, too, like The Nutcracker and The Polar Express.  

Christmas morning was magical.  Santa brought Lily her American Girl Doll and Charley her shopping cart (and the "cuddly giraffe toy" that Lil put on C's list).  Lil was also super excited about her pink phone.  It was a great day!

My new sous chef.  "Stool," she says when she wants to help me cook. ;)

A pic from her teacher.  She apparently saw the manger they put in her classroom for Christmas and knelt down to pray. :)

Girls night at Grandma's.

Traditional tree lot pic by the candy cane entrance. 

Our two little old ladies, picking out their tree. ;)

High fives for Elmo.

And kisses for Elmo. :)

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Trying out her nativity angel costume.

Bumped into Christian at the Singing Christmas Tree!

I can literally still hear her squeals in my mind!

Angels!

Listening for the bells of Santa's sleigh.

Cinnamon ornaments!

Up in the Smoky Mountains for the Polar Express!

Her golden ticket.

Getting her ticket stamped by the conductor. :)

Santa on the train!

The Barker's Nativity.

Away in a Manger came on Pandora and Lil said "I want to dress up like Mary," and this happened. :)

The Nutcracker with Grandma & Grandpa.

Making cookies for Santa.

Christmas Eve!!

Christmas morning... Santa came!

Our awesome surprise from Daddy... a homemade (pink!) balance beam.  

Christmas breakfast with her new American Girl doll (Lily Ellibee).

Hogan made it snow for Christmas!

A last minute visit from high school friend and exchange student, Conny! 

Hide and seek. :)

This is how we make pancakes. ;)

Lily's nativities made from her blocks.  Love these.

Visiting Nana.

Happy New Year!