Christmas Day 2011

Fun, relaxing, family! Three words that described our Christmas Day this year. The girls actually "slept in" and didn't wake us up until 7:30...very happy, I was expecting much earlier.

The girls brought their stockings into our bed and went through them. They got little things like toothbrushes, panties, gum, candy, socks, mittens and a little toy each. Avery's response on her toy "Mom, I have been wishing, no I mean dreaming of one of these for so long! I can't believe it! Thank you!" - this was after receiving a baby zhu zhu pet! :) Love that kid! She was the most grateful little thing all day long. She must have told me 20 times today that she was so thankful for all her gifts, specifically named her Rapunzel dress up several times.

Before we opened presents this morning, Avery requested that we sing "Happy Birthday to Jesus". Maybe we could start that as a new tradition. :) We had the chance to skype with Nana & Grandad and Mimi & Papa and the cousins, that was so fun. We are looking forward to seeing them this week.

The girls were in bed and it was 8:45 - Avery says "Mommy, you said we would go look at lights tonight?" Oh, bummer, we totally forgot!!! Well since Christmas is only one night of the year we hoped in the van and rode around for about 1/2 an hour. We did see the most incredibly tacky decorated house/yard and it was totally worth going. Riley fell asleep 1/2 way through which made her a breeze to get back to bed. :)

That's the day. Nothing super special but complete family time...the best thing ever! Thank you Lord for this day and for your most special gift of all! JESUS

Cookies with Santa

A local building/realtor company here in Greenville has an afternoon with Santa each year. We have been invited for the last several years but it hasn't worked out for us to go until this year. Ryan was out of town so the girls and I went to see Santa. (Santa is actually a good friend, Matt Porter, he's been growing out a real beard for months, he looked so real!) It was really sweet. They took our picture and had cookies and drinks to munch on. The girls saw some of their friends and had a blast dancing around to the music.

Riley wasn't thrilled about Santa and I had to sit with her to get her in the picture. Avery was excited to see Santa but she didn't know what to ask for (I guess that's a good thing). He told her that he knew just what she would like...she thought that was cool. :)

Greenville Christmas Parade

 Whoa! This parade was packed and LONG! But it was fun for the kids and it was great weather! We were happy to meet our friends Sarah, Lillian and Luke there. Our first time at the Greenville Christmas Parade - we will definitely go back. :) Merry Christmas!!