It's a G and Pa Christmas

 Our first Christmas started off with a BANG at G and Pa's.  Barbara always has such a beautifully decorated table and tree and it feels so magical at Christmas time over there.  The girls were very excited that they each had a HUGE gift this year.

 They had an adorable little table with big girl silverware and plates/cups!  Pretty girls in their Christmas shirts and gold skirts. 

 After presents, we loaded up to go to SDC.  G and Pa got the girls new snowsuits and they were perfect to wear up to SDC and combat the cold.  Both of them even got a little warm this year which is a huge improvement from last year.  We had a blast. 

 The girls loved riding rides with G and Pa; look at those smiles.  Thankful for grandparents that are such good sports. 

 Here is the whole gang!  Such a fun night and tradition that we do each year.  Love this group.

 Elise's Bitty Baby, Mary Beth, was the hit of her Christmas!

The Magic of Christmas at School

 It has been a lot of hard work being the Building Coordinator at Amelia's school this year, but it has been worth it tenfold to get to catch glimpses of her in her class and to get to know her sweet classmates and teacher.  I just LOVE being able to know she is happy and safe and having fun.  Love being available for both of my girls when they have an event at school and I do not take that opportunity lightly. 

 Santa came to her class and brought her a present!

 Her most precious teacher that I prayed and prayed for!!

 Elise and Eliza at pajama day!

Christmas Season Snaps

 I LOVE Christmas colored/themed clothing.  I know, I know, it is shallow and has nothing to do with the true meaning of the season, but it is something that I just truly enjoy.  There won't be that much longer that the girls let me put them in whatever I want (some days that is already true) and I just love seeing them look like little dolls in Christmas clothes.  It is a really fun girl mom moment.

 Same goes for matching jammies!!!  Love, love, love.

 Tons of fun at the Christmas parade.  It was on the perfect night and wasn't too cold and we had hot chocolate and just love our sweet town.

 Liv and Ingrid rocked their Christmas recital.  It is so neat watching them at stuff like this because I have none of the stress of getting them ready and being super nervous for them, and all of the joy of feeling excited and bursting with pride. 

 G and Pa's farm is so relaxing!!  We had great weather after the recital and we all just hung out and took a ride in Chleo (Ross's new, old truck from his Mammaw) and just enjoyed the rest of the day.

Meeting the REAL Santa

Our local college does a fabulous Santa night and the girls were looking SO forward to it this year.  Plus, they were playing Frozen on the big screen, so it was a double fun feature.  Santa AND Frozen is winning for sure.  The tree in the lobby is my favorite one in town.

Coloring some Christmas pictures while waiting in line.

The girls are so happy that the REAL Santa comes to our town.  I love this guy.

Amelia asked for a new Barbie and Barbie clothes and Elise asked for furniture for the doll house.  It was such a special night and I just love the innocence and magic of childhood.  We had snacks and drinks and I left feeling warm fuzzies from my head to my toes.

Fall Recital 2014

Very few things get me as excited as when it is time for dance recital.  The girls work SO hard all year learning their dances.  When they get up on stage feeling confident and beautiful in their costumes, it is just too much for this mama.  I just get so nervous and giddy and want to just scream my guts out during the whole dance.  I love watching them dance.  So thankful for a family that is supportive and comes to watch them.  I do NOT take this for granted and know that many don't live close enough for this privilege and that some just aren't close to their family.  Such a special day!!

Checking out the snowflakes!

We are so pleased that we moved to a new studio with a kind and loving teacher.  The girls love Mrs. Tasha and she is encouraging when she needs to be and tough when she needs to be.  So glad that this decision ended up being the right one.  The first of many tough calls we will need to make, I am sure.

Thanksgiving at Mammaw's

Very few people at Mammaw's Thanksgiving ever want their picture made, lol. (Or any other event for that matter, hehe).  But I did get a few snaps that show how much fun was had.  We had a full house and lots of good food and some good laughs at the girls.

 We couldn't wait to decorate for Christmas. The girls had such a fun time putting all our trees up.  Such a magical time of year for so many reasons.  We put up our nativity scenes first and the girls cut out little yellow pieces of hay to sprinkle around the manger.  For some reason, that was just so precious to me.