The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I'm big on the whole "a picture is worth a thousand words" and "a picture tells the story". In this post, that's what its going to be, mostly pictures...cause i'm a pictureaholic!

Let me start off by saying Merry Christmas! I hope everyone had a wonderful day, just as we did! The most festive time for me is the two days before Christmas and of course the day of. Here are our two days before and day of pictures from 2012.

The 23rd

Today was cookie day! We made two types of cookies this year, Gingerbread Mickey's and Sugar. The girls loved helping me every step of the way. It was slow, but we all had fun!

The 24th

New tradition started this year. We had french toast that we ate in front of the tree. It was sooo very yummy! 

After breakfast we opened the box from Gma Elly and Aunt Suzanne.

Evey got a hand puppet Elephant

Sophie loved to just observe. 

The 25th

The tree is all set and ready with the presents under it. 

The girls got to check out what was in their stockings first.

Then we went to the kitchen and found a note from Santa! He saw the swing set that was in pieces leaning on the side of the house and put it together, plus completed it with a slide and swings (those were missing, which was why it was never put together till now). I loved the look of pure joy on both girls faces when we opened the shade and they saw it for the first time! Got that on video! Score!

waiting to go out and play on the swing set!

first time down the slide

then she found the swings...no more slide after that!

Ellie's turn!

We had our traditional Orange sweet rolls formed into a tree for breakfast.

Last couple swings while the sweet rolls cooled

Time for presents!

My girls

In the excitement of the day, I totally didn't get any pictures while they were opening presents. We did, however, get it all on video.  So at least I have something to remember 2012 by! :)  After presents, back outside they went. This wasn't the highlight of the day...can't you tell?!?! (they LOVED it!)

Evey figured out how to Superman and Ellie soon followed

Annie, Rob and Brutus came over to celebrate with us. It was so fun to have Brutus over! It was his first time to visit us here. We can't wait to have him back!

My helper! Helping me clean up.

Sophie watching her Sophie the Giraffe.

Night time! Momma and two gooser girls!

We sure had lots of fun this year for Christmas! I'm a bit bummed I didn't think to get the camera out during presents. I was so good all morning getting tons of pictures! Oh well. At least we have a second Christmas coming up with Gma and Gpa so I'll be sure to get pics with everyone then!

Christmas Time is Here!

Its Christmas time! And of course I'm way behind on my blogging. I've been trying hard this year to start (or continue) the Holiday traditions for our family.  Right after Thanksgiving, all our Christmas stuff came out, lights went up outside and three went up inside.  I purchased an Advent Wreath to count down the days till Christmas and the Christmas music became an all day thing. (I love Christmas music!)  Another  tradition I hope to continue is ornament making. It was so fun to do this with the older two. We started off this tradition with a Snowman wearing Mickey ears (thank you Rachel for the kits!)

Here's Ellie working on hers.

she would not smile at all for me.

hanging it on the tree

And here's Evey working on hers.

She just then noticed the lights I hung around the front door.

Daddy even got in on the fun and made a Christmas tree that lights up. Unfortunatly I didn't get a pic of the completed tree. Oh well. Both girls had tons of fun and did a good job! I'm so proud of them! I have the cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning and another type of bread to make french toast with (cant recall the name. I'll repost with it later.) We are all set and ready for the big day!! Its hard for me to even imagine that soon Sophie will be really joining the fun. I want her to grow but she's my baby!! :)

Have a Very Merry Christmas my friends and family! We love and miss you all! (when you coming down to visit?!) :D hehe!