Snow bunnies, without the snow, obviously. The Sunday after Christmas Ella couldn't bear to be separated from Lucy, her bitty baby, so she (Lucy) got decked out for church in her only church-appropriate attire. Luckily, Aunt Lane sent Ella a coat and hat that almost makes them twins. Ella was thrilled to see how cute they looked together! ...
Christmas
Game Time!
Yes, I know it is January 6th. Yes, I know I haven't officially finished recapping Christmas (final round to come!). BUT, I've been busy cleaning house, organizing, working on Sophie's nursery and nesting. I'll get it finished; I promise. In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few pictures of the million games we got and played over Christmas. We are a game playing family and Ella is learning quick. She has had a few games since her birthday and is pretty good at them, actually. We decided to add to her collection over Christmas and she managed to spank us in all of them! Not pictured: Hello Kitty Bingo, Fancy Nancy card game and Old Maid. The adults also managed to squeeze in Taboo, Shang-Hai, Rook and Trivial Pursuit. Competitive, anyone? ...
Christmas, Round Four
Okay, back on track... Christmas round four brought us to Garan & Poppy's house for a day of fun with about 50 people. My "immediate" family is so ridiculously huge and our family get togethers would be completely overwhelming for anyone who has never been before. My parents cook a huge turkey and everyone else brings a side dish or dessert. I should have taken a picture of the buffet, because the amount of food was staggering. Ten hours after we started the food was still there. I swear it was like Jesus feeding the multitudes - our food just kept multiplying! Since there are so many of us, buying presents can get a little out of hand. Instead we play a few rounds of dirty Santa and have such a good time. All of the adults bring a $15 gift and we play a "man" round and ...
Yesterday
I'm still waiting on a few family photos from K before sharing round 4 of our Christmas celebrations. I didn't take many pictures at my parents house at all because we were too busy stuffing our faces, stealing presents in an always-brutal round of Dirty Santa and watching the boys throw washers in the yard. In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few pics from our little adventure yesterday. Who LOVES to get up at 5:45 on the Monday after Christmas? Yeah... me neither. Unfortunately, I managed to schedule my OB appointment at 8 o'clock and it's a good 40 minute drive. Ella had a major meltdown when I attempted to wrangle her curls and brush her teeth, despite the fact that I tried to put her to bed early the night before and warn her of our early departure. We had to wait awhile, but ...
Christmas, Round Three
Round three had me up at 6:30, baking sausage balls and pigs in a blanket, starting the coffee pot and getting our video camera set up. We told Ella the night before that when she woke up, she should call us to come and get her. I was so worried she would be distracted by the presents and we would sleep through her excitement. While I was cooking breakfast in the kitchen, I had the dishwasher running and must not have heard her yell for us. All of a sudden I heard a few guttural screams and made my way to her room. When I opened her door, she was visibly irritated and wanted to know if Santa came or not. When I told her yes she said, "Then lets open presents!" We woke SD up and all ran into the living room to see what the big guy brought. Beemer was beside herself because she got a ...
Christmas, Round Two
After Christmas gifts were opened at Nana's, we all laid around and played with our toys all afternoon. The girls skipped their naps, but played so well together and it was nice to have a few hours to visit. After Christmas Communion at our church with my family, we were home to get ready for Santa. All of our Christmas lights were turned on, we got our Christmas pajamas on and decided to write Santa a letter. Ella wanted to stress to him that she did NOT want him to come in her room! He was welcome to come down the chimney, leave presents and enjoy his snack, but she wasn't interested in catching him in action. I wrote the letter that she dictated and we snuggled up on the couch with a movie. Gran and Poppy came by to read "The Night Before Christmas" and then she fell asleep on ...
Christmas, Round One
We have had such a wonderful Christmas weekend, but just like last year, we have been so many places and taken so many pictures, that it will take me a week to share it all! I don't know what is different about being 3 years old, but I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do and there are many things I missed. I think we were just so excited by Ella's reaction to everything that we were enjoying ourselves too much to remember the camera. First up... Christmas Eve! Despite the fact that she knew Santa was on his way and that this was the the first day she got to open presents and eat a lot of junk, Ella woke up in a funk on Christmas Eve. She was really whiny and complained about everything. It didn't matter what we suggested, she wasn't happy about anything. I even threatened ...
Merry CHRISTmas!
Merry CHRISTmas, friends! "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 ...