Sweet Moment

We have collected lots of fun books over the years about snow and Christmas. During this time of the year the girls and I look forward to cold afternoons after school when we snuggle up with hot chocolate and read some of these winter books together.

When Ally was little, her favorite of these books was a chunky little board book simply called "Merry Christmas!". We read it constantly, and she went to sleep with it every night. Recently I noticed this same book showing up in Sophie's bed at night. She "reads" it every night (she has it memorized), and I find it all over the house during the day. I thought it was sweet that the same book that had been Ally's favorite is now Sophie's favorite.

And then the other day we were overwhelmed with a moment of sweet nostalgia as we overheard this going on...

All Aboard...

Last night Ally's school put on a Cultural Wonderland so we could experience how people from different cultures celebrate during this time of the year. It was lots of fun. We learned interesting things as we visited Europe and Africa. We also celebrated the Chinese New Year, tasted some interesting foods from the near east, and enjoyed homemade tortillas hot off the grill in Latin America.

We also had a chance to get on board the Polar Express. That was fun! They furnished us each with golden tickets, which were punched on the way in. Once we were seated, teachers decked out in pajamas brought us hot chocolate, and we listened to a dramatic reading of the Polar Express. On the way out, the kiddos were each given a sleigh bell necklace and a candy cane. Every aspect of it was very creatively done, and we had a great time!

We also got to hang out with Santa, and they even had a petting zoo! The girls had a fantastic time. And I was, once again, very impressed with Ally's school!

The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever!

Well, last Saturday we set off for our annual Christmas tree hunt adventure! Every year, we drive an hour north to a Christmas tree farm out in the country and cut down the tree of our choice. We look forward to it every year. The girls especially enjoy the hayride that transports us to and from the large field of trees. And of course, the hot chocolate awaiting us in the gift shop when we return! Normally it doesn't take too long for us to find a great tree with lots of personality to adopt into our home. Our apartment of almost 5 years had a small living room, so elimination was a great catalyst in the decision making: "too tall...too wide...too tall...too wide". (Side note - last year we actually mis-calculated and got a tree that stood a bit too tall, so we had to take a little off the top to fit the star on!)

Anyway, our new house has much taller ceilings to allow for a much taller tree this year. So we embarked upon our search for the perfect tree, full of the anticipation of new possibilities.

Now, Ray and I can both be fairly indecisive at times, and last Saturday turned out to be one of those times. We walked and analyzed, and walked and evaluated, and walked and discussed, and walked and WALKED! Finally Ally reminded us that all of the trees were beautiful now can we just pick one please!!!!

So we did. We ended up choosing an 11-foot tree! The great part is that it didn't cost much more than some of the 6 or 7 foot trees we have gotten in the past. And if you are wondering why, well, let's just say our beautiful tree has lots of character!

And most importantly, we spent time making memories together and enjoying some really special family time during this beautiful season. Here are some of the moments we captured...

True Meaning of Christmas

Last year for Christmas the girls got a Little People Nativity set from Aunt Shelly, Uncle Terry and cousin Noah. Ally and Sophie both love that set, and have been playing with it constantly since we brought it out a couple of weeks ago. The other night I was tidying up our living room and noticed that the girls had placed all of the Little People in a huddle. I went over to scoop them up but was taken aback when I realized who was at the center of the huddle...



Pure joy flooded my heart at this child-like display of worship!

Winter Wedding

Ray and the girls had the privilege of being in our good friends' wedding the day after Thanksgiving. It was a winter-themed wedding, so elegant and beautiful. And the bride was absolutely radiant! We love our sweet friends, and were so honored that they asked us to be part of this special day! The girls enjoyed every minute of being flower girls, and did a great job. Here are some pics...









And of course, my handsome man looking sharp in his tux!

Halloween

Well, last night was the kiddos' first Halloween in a house! Since we've spent the greater part of the past few years living in non-trick-or-treating-friendly apartment complexes, we were pretty excited to trick or treat in our own neighborhood. We got together with some good friends of ours for pizza, and then were off to pillage from the neighbors! What fun!

Carving pumpkins

Thursday night was our pumpkin-carving night, and the girls had so much fun! We let them each draw the face, then Ray did the carving. Ally loved cleaning the "goop" out of the inside of the pumpkins. Sophie was excited about it too, until she realized it was slimy. Then she decided she would rather leave that part to sister...

More Fall Fun

Here are some pictures from Ally's school fall carnival. The girls had a blast the whole night, but their favorite part by far was the hot air balloon ride!