Down through the Chimney with Lots of Toys

Abby and Caroline had a fun Christmas morning playing with everything Santa brought.

There is always a moment of silence and disbelief when they first see what Santa left.

They really enjoyed pulling out the surprises in their stockings.

We are ready for some trips with our new suitcases and umbrellas.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve celebrations began with the candlelight service at church.

The girls were really excited to go to "Big Church."  Caroline held Dora up so she could see everything.

After church and naps, we headed to Big Bubba's and Aunt Mary's for dinner and presents with Nonnie's side of the family.

Pops gave the girls a pool lesson.

Family Pics

The girls have enjoyed playing with Jake at our family dinners.  It has been nice to have him home from Kansas.

Down, down, down she goes!

This sack provided as much fun as the new toys.



Introduction to Barbie

Abby and Caroline were so excited about the Hello Kitty nightgowns Momo gave them.  They changed into them right away.

Momo had plenty of help opening her gifts.

When we got home, it was time to get our treats ready for Santa and his reindeer.  GiGi and PawPaw were there to help.

Sprinkling Reindeer Food

Decorating Santa's Cookies

Christmas Eve Eve

I am finally getting around to updating the old blog!  Between neither child napping much anymore and our busy schedules, the blog has taken a backseat to other priorities. 

Christmas Eve Eve we opened presents with Nonnie, Pops and Little Bubba.  My extended family on Mom's side is so big, we quit exchanging our gifts with Mom,Dad and Ryan on Christmas Eve.  We needed to divide things up into two nights for the girls.

Caroline and Abby went shopping with their own money and bought gifts for each other.  Caroline bought Abby a nail and lipgloss set and Abby got Caroline a Dora doll.  They could not wait to open these gifts to each other and immediately ripped them open when we started passing out presents.  

We gave Daddy a tent and two pink camo sleeping bags.  They are all ready for some fun times in the backyard this spring and summer.

Caroline especially loved the new Critter table and car for her little critter families.

One of Abby's favorites was the globe that talks.

This was our second year to open gifts and eat Italian food on Christmas Eve Eve.  Although it is hard to break away from how things have always been done, this new tradition is proving to be fun!

Christmas Countdown

Between birthday parties and Chirstmas celebrations, Abby and Caroline had an event on the calendar almost every day the week before Christmas.  They had a little party at the end of their dance class.

The girls adore their teacher!  She has given them a wonderful first experience with dance class.

Caroline's Class Party

Passing Out Treats at Abby's Dance Party

School Parties

They asked if a mom would read a story to the class.  I was excited to relive my teaching days for a few minutes.  I read The Christmas Story to Caroline's class and took our wooden nativity.  The kids had fun adding the pieces to the manger as I read.

Caroline Singing Her Christmas Carols

Abby made a snowman at her party.

The Finished Product

She also wrote a letter to Santa.

Reading Olivia Claus

Decorating Cookies-Abby can't ever get enough "frostin."

 The girls really got into the wrapping and giving of their gifts this year.  They were especially excited to deliver to their teachers.

 Abby had a little choir concert at church last Wednesday night.

 Abby had serious doubts about participating in the program as we were getting ready to leave our house that night.  She said she would do it if I promised to buy her a McDonald's breakfast burrito the next day.  We had a deal.  I was proud of her for following through with it.  This was her first time to be in front of a big audience.  She did fine until a very active little boy behind her bopped her on the head before the last song.  She ran to me and sang the last song from the audience.

 Abby and her best friend, Hayden

 After they sang, they had a little party.  Caroline got to join in.  She can't wait to be in the choir next year.  She is always singing and knew all the songs in the program.  Stay tuned for video of the songs.  I am having trouble getting them off my new camera. 

Saturday, we went to a Pinkalicious Holiday play.  We were going to take Momo, but she came down with something and was still in Bay City.  Pops enjoyed using her ticket and taking all his girls to the show.

 The Girls with Pinkalicious

 It was a fun week of activities.  We also went to a party in Flower Mound and saw all my old teacher friends, but I didn't get any pictures.  We were in "Breakable Territory" so I stuck close to Abby and Caroline.