a merry little christmas

We were able to celebrate Christmas morning at our home this year. It was Avery's first Christmas. What a special time...just the four of us. The girls enjoyed opening their gifts and digging through their stockings. Emilia was excited about the baby with a paci that Santa brought her. Avery just went from toy to toy, and really loved the sucker left in her stocking!
We just spent time with Roger's family celebrating the holiday. It was a wonderful time with family. We are looking forward to seeing all of our cousins and celebrating Christmas with my family in just a few days.
I hope you are having a wonderful holiday as you celebrate the birth of Jesus.

tis the season for...

a horse drawn carriage ride. We braved the cold weather for a little fun. We took the girls on a carriage ride at our mall. During the month of December, you can go there and take a carriage ride for free. Emilia loved the horses, of course, and the jingle of the bells as they pulled the carriage. Avery had fun watching the horses, too. Thank goodness there were fluffy blankets to keep us warm on our ride. We will definitely do it again next year!

happy birthday teresa!

advent activites

making gingerbread cookies with Conner








painting toenails a Christmas color
(and my attempt at painting on snowflakes)




make your own pizza night









having a tea party at Sophie and Lili's house





watching a Christmas movie with Charity




wearing crazy hairstyles
(picked up a hair glitter stick at the Target dollar spot)

a heavy heart

We have had heavy hearts the last couple of weeks. Our neighbors' 3 1/2 year old boy was just diagnosed with a form of leukemia. They were finally able to come home this weekend after being in the hospital for a couple of weeks.
Emilia has been so sweet. Every other day or so, she will ask me if he is feeling better and if Jesus is making him well. Tonight, we went to Target and picked up a few things for him. We hope to take chicken and noodles over to them one day this week.
With the diagnosis of this disease, the Christmas holiday approaching, and a new baby joining their family in January, I know they would appreciate your prayers.

little miss ave

Love these pics of Avery playing in her red hat!

after the snow fun

The day after it snowed, I decided to let Emmie go out on the deck and play in the snow for a little while. Avery stood at the door the entire time jabbering and pointing. They both had cold hands when I finally shut the door and made them stay inside.

let is snow...sideways

I took these pictures standing at our back door. Our deck is protected from the north wind so the snow fell softly on it. It's hard to see, but in the other picture the snow is blowing sideways. No matter what way the snow falls, we still love it! Feels like Christmas.