Merry Christmas 2009

Christmas morning began with us waking up before Miss Ella, which is rare! We were able to get up and start the coffee and breakfast before starting all over again with the gifts. When E woke up we went to her room and wished her a Merry Christmas to which she responded with, "Jesus's birthday!". We have been talking about what makes Christmas day special and why we celebrate, and she had it down pat by the time it came. Love her! It was then time to make our way to the living room to see what Santa had brought for her.

Moni and Granddad came over for breakfast and gifts too!

After eating breakfast and playing with our new toys for a while, it was time to go to Nanny's for lunch with the family.

Tired girl on the ride home with her "Oatmeal" bear.


We are really looking forward to this time next year, adn celebrating with 2 sweet little girls!!!

White Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve this year brought a special surprise with it...SNOW! Just before we headed out the door to the candle light service the flurries began to fall, and it didn't let up until later that night. It felt so "Christmasy" as we ran into the church knowing that there would be white snow covering the ground when we left.

Our church does not have a Christmas Eve service, so we once again met up with my family at Lake Pointe. As usual, the singing, celebrating, and candle light were amazing!


Attempting to get a picture in front of the tree at the church...




After service we all went back to our house for dinner and presents! Lots of laughter and excitement for sure, sooo here are some highlights that we would like to remember...







Ella loved her sock monkey from "Uncle Joe Joe"!




Ha! This is the funniest little horse thing called Rody that she got from Aunt Sissy and fam. She loves to bounce on him and fall off the side to make us laugh. :)


Cari also got all the kids these precious santa bags with their names on them to use each Christmas for gifts. Emerson even got one this year!



Clayton's first Christmas present ever!



Mom got Ella a Zhu Zhu pet hamster and it is one of her favorite things to play with. It has a life of it's own and runs around our house when she doesn't have it in her hands. The funniest thing is that she keeps calling it a sheep. Ha!


More gifts for Emmy...






Before going to bed we set out cookies and milk for Santa. We also left him a "magic key" to use if he needed it. Thanks, Cara, for this fun idea!



We were so excited to have my mom and sister spend the night with us that night and to be there on Christmas morning. We all went to bed waaaay too late, but looked forward to waking up together to celebrate Jesus's birthday!

It's the Holiday Season!

Love, love, love everything about this time of year! We have so many great get togethers, the baking continues, and lots of time with family and friends. There is nothing better than sharing all this time with the ones we love most. :)

Zach and I hosted the annual baby Christmas party at our house this year. Instead of it just being the mommy's and babies, we decided to include the daddy's in on all the fun. We had yummy food, great conversation, and of course lots of smiling, happy babies running around.

Waiting for her friends to arrive!


Love these pics of Ella and Colt... so sweet :)






Ella and I enjoyed making lots of fun treats for different parties or just to have at the house. Here my little assistant is helping me make "puppy chow". She is also a great taste tester!


At first she wanted to count out each piece of cereal to go into the bowl.
That would have taken forever!




We also enjoy looking at Christmas lights as a family often during the month of December. Zach makes a hot tea for us to take along with us that his grandmother always used to make, and it makes the ride much cozier. :)

Ready to see the lights!




Here is the recipe in case you want to try it sometime. It's a nice alternative to wasil/cider or hot chocolate. This makes a ton so you can store it and use it as you wish!

1/2 c instant tea mix
2 c Tang (orange drink mix)
3 oz. Lemonade (powder)
3/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (we add more a little more)
1/2 tsp. All Spice
1/4 tsp. cloves

Put it in a gallon baggie and shake/mix together. Add to hot water by spoonfuls to taste.