Christmas Programs

Anya's preschool program was December 11th. She loves to sing, and had no problem getting up in front of people. I bought matching outfits for the girls to wear, and the tops were a little small, especially Anya's. I told her before we left to keep her skirt pulled up, and her top pulled down. During the concert she would tug on her sweater pulling it down, and then forget, and out would pop her belly. It was funny, and so cute.

On Sunday afternoon, Anya had her Christmas program at church. Since I help with her Sunday school class, I had been helping her practice a lot, so she knew the songs really well. She sang her heart out, and even led the group in the wrong verse during one of the songs. It didn't really matter, and I was very proud of her. She would blow us kisses, and make silly faces in between songs. She is quite the performer when she wants to be.

Live Nativity After The Program


The After Party!

Our First Snow

December 10th we had our first snow, it didn't amount to much, but the girls had to get bundled up to check it out anyway. Anya loved it, and went out several times. Ally wasn't so sure about it, and wanted me to stay close by. I think it took about 10 minutes at least to find everything and get dressed to go outside. Ally and I were probably out there about 5 minutes. Anya lasted a lot longer than I thought she would. She likes the snow, but likes hot chocolate even more. Every time she goes out, she wants me to make her some. We had a bigger snow about a week later, but it was too cold to go out and play.

Ally Boo

In our house, if you can't find something, you should check Ally's shopping cart. She loads and unloads that thing all day, pushing it all over. She goes around collecting random things from around the house, making a big mess for me to sort out. I love to watch her play, so I really don't mind the clean up. She also really, really loves her babies, and drags them all over. She wraps them in blankets, or just whatever, and rocks or bounces her babies for a long time. One of my favorite things she does is include her dolls in whatever she is doing, like giving them a book to look at, or a drink from her cup. It's so cute! P.S. I call her Ally Boo, because she likes to go around saying boo to people.

Anya's Little Tree

I let Anya get a little tree for her room this year, so she picked a pink Disney princess tree. It came with 10 ornaments, and we added some of her little character ones that usually go on our big tree. She was so happy, and proud of her pink tree. She didn't want to unplug it ever. Josh had to convince her that if she left it on all the time, the bulbs would eventually burn out. Now she doesn't want to plug it in, because she's afraid the bulbs will burn out!

O' Christmas Tree

We started the season by going to a Christmas tree lighting at the park in town. Josh was working, and it was really cold outside, so I wasn't planning on going, but I changed my mind at the last minute. I scooped up the girls, and off we went. I intended on staying in the car, and looking at the tree, but when we got there Anya was so excited, we had to get out. We missed the main ceremony, but arrived just in time to see Santa. Anya said that she wanted to see Santa so that she could tell him what she wanted for Christmas. I asked her why, because I thought she had already done that at Mom's Day Out, and I didn't want to wait in line in the cold. Well it turns out that she didn't sit on Santa's lap, or even talk to him. The teacher held her while they took a picture standing next to Santa. To make a long story short, we waited in line, only for her to tell me that she only wanted to look at him. I knew Ally had screamed at Mom's Day Out, so I didn't even attempt that one. :)

Grandma Naomi's Visit

Grandma Naomi, Josh's mom, visited a few weeks ago. The last time we saw her was in June 2007, and Ally was just 3 months old, so she didn't remember Grandma. Anya did however, and was very excited for the visit! Anya requested that we take Grandma to Chuck E. Cheese, so I obliged. We went on a Tuesday night around 5, so it was actually really great, not busy at all. I ran after Ally, and Grandma played games with Anya. The girls had a blast, and I think Grandma did too. :)

Fun With Daddy

Josh is away bringing home the bacon, and we are missing him. The girls need someone to wrestle with. :)

Gingerbread Houses

Over Thanksgiving we made gingerbread houses at my brother's house. Aunt Karen bought graham crackers, all the goodies, and whipped up royal icing to put them together. Uncle Ryan helped Anya and Ella with their houses, and Ally and I worked on hers. Ally kept eating the goodies of course, even the yucky royal icing! Anya started out copying Ella's house, but branched out with her own design after a while. It was lots of fun!

Ella's house

Anya with her masterpiece

Ally's house

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year at my parents house with most all my family. My super organized, party planning mother made it easy to just sit back and enjoy the day. We ate, made crafts, had an ornament exchange, played games, and ate some more!

Cousin Hunter with Ally, & Anya

Aunt Shelli & One Cool Ally Cat

Aunt Karen & Cousin Emilia

Ally before she put noodles in her hair!

My niece, Ella, brought a hula hoop with her to Grandma's house, and the kids, along with Uncle Ryan, orchestrated a hoop jumping game.

Preston, The Star of Hoop Jumping

Anya trying to jump through

She made it!