Santa Claus came to our house! He left tons of great surprises for the girls. I have to admit I was a terrible photo taker Christmas weekend. I got a few of the girls on Christmas morning and then hardly another picture was taken.






As soon as Santa presents were all open, we headed off to Birmingham since Gracie called MeMe and we heard Santa had been to her house too! We had yummy lunch that included beef tenderloin and ice cream balls with hot fudge sauce and a fun afternoon game of bingo for little prizes! Andrew, Elaine and Jeff were all there too.



We also celebrated Christmas with Alan's family the next 2 days and our extended family on Saturday night, but I didn't even get my camera out. Too much going on...I'll do better next year.

From our home to yours,

Merry Christmas to All!

Christmas Dance Program

Gracie's dance studio did a mini-christmas recital this week for all the classes. She had one Tuesday and Thursday night. Tuesday night was acro so it was a little hard to get good pics of her because she is flipping, but last night was a treat - we were right in front for her tap dance of Rudolph. She has no fear performing and loves to be up there. She is also so proud when she sees us - she just waves to us. It cracks me up.

So after seeing santa, the next day we woke up to see snow. We did not let the girls get out in it b/c it was really wet snow and we had a party that morning to celebrate Anna Kate's 2nd birthday. We also went to a Christmas Children's concert with Tangerine Tambourine that weekend at the Princess Theater. The girls loved it and danced and shook their tambourines. And of course - enjoyed some popcorn!

Ho Ho Ho

It's that time of year...our official visit to Santa. Both girls ran to him with such joy and sat in his lap. Gracie asked for a few things and Mallary told him Ho Ho Ho. The picture doesn't show how sweet they were and how glad they were to see him, but no tears and everyone looking at the camera is success in my book : ) We know they are on the good list so Santa will be bringing them lots of goodies. And our elf "Scotch" is here to watch over them and report back to Santa.

A new friend

Congrats to my most wonderful friend Jennifer and this much anticipated baby (and name!). They have waited a long time for her and I am so grateful tonight this precious baby is here safe and sound and that we have a new friend today!

Anneliese Sherman

Mallary

You are turning into such a big girl. The past month you have become much more verbal and it's so sweet. We'll ask you questions and you say Me Dad deee or Me my mom meee. Or when it's dinner time and you are done or don't like something you hold your hand up and wave us off saying No, No Thank You. It's so funny.

You are loving the Christmas decorations and we have you saying Ho Ho Ho. You make your mouth really funny when you do it and keeps us giggling everytime you say it.

The biggest news is that you are potty training yourself. You say "go potty" and hop on the potty and go. Now this is just the beginnings, but Wow we are so excited. You have been everyday for over a week once or twice on the big potty! Woo Hoo!

And now to leave everyone with my favorite November pic of you!

Happy Thanksgiving

These little Turkeys wanted to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving! May everyone have a great weekend and safe travels.

Her actual Birthday Celebration

Finally, after a week of celebrating, this precious child actually turned 4! We had a family party for her at lunchtime. We had a yummy lunch, a rainbow cupcake cake and ice cream, lots of presents and lots of fun.

Cousins!

I wish that words could convey this moment
when she opened her "bakin' oven". She has
repeatedly asked for this and we never made
a big deal about getting it. Oh, the excitement
when she opened it. She screamed and cheered
My Oven, My Oven! It was truly such a fun moment!!

Gracie wanted a Rainbow cake.
This was the best I could find and she loved it!

School Celebration!

The girl's birthdays are definately major events in our house - we find a way to celebrate as much as possible! On Friday, Gracie got to take cupcakes to school for her friends, she was line leader all day and got to wear a special crown! Mrs. Donna shared some fun pictures of her that day.

The Birthday Party

One of Gracie's most favorite activities is going to to "Pottery Lady" at Memi's on Bank. Ms. Janet and Ms. Pat read stories, do crafts, paint pottery and have snack for them once a month. So when Gracie and I were thinking about birthday ideas - naturally she said pottery lady. We gathered up our 4 year old friends and had a party last Wednesday while everyone was out of school. (This is how good I am - the Veteran's parade was going on AND a tiger that looked like Aubie was hanging outside the store for the kids to yell at...j/k I had no idea this was going to be at the same time but it added to our fun!) The kids painted ornaments, had a cupcake, listened to Thanksgiving and Christmas stories. A good time was had by all!

Happy Birthday Gracie

Oh my sweet beautiful girl, I can't believe you are 4 years old today! How quickly time flies when you are having so much fun. You continue to be such a constant joy for your dad and me and a great big sister to Gracie. You are so smart and I mean really, really smart! You never cease to amaze us with how you figure things out, your advanced vocabulary and speech and your talents! All your teachers tell us how great you do at school and how sweet you are which we love to hear.

Things you love: arts and "projects", ballet and tap class and gymnastics (acrobatics), going to choir and singing, playing with your friends, going to Mrs. Donna's class. You love icing off cakes, cupcakes and cookies, but not the main part. You would drink chocolatte's by the gallon if I would let you. Macaroni and cheese is your favorite food (besides the sweet stuff). You love making your own breakfast which is toaster strudels. You love your magic still and love Magic candles in your room too. You love to help me cook and be my assistant. You are always willing to hold the mixer and stir!

Things you don't love: vegetables!, white milk, and sleeping. You stay up until 9/10 and are up at no later than 8 most days with no naps. It doesn't seem to affect you so we just let it be.


You are such a wonderful little girl and we could not be more proud of you!!! We love you so so much!!!

Disney on Ice

Last Sunday kicked off Gracie's week of birthday festivities! We met our sweet friend Anne Rae and Jones at CPK for some yummy lunch, then it was off to downtown (in their van - which Gracie thoroughly enjoyed riding in!) for some Disney on Ice! Jones and Gracie each got one over-priced, plastic toy adorned snack to enjoy - cotton candy for Jones and sno-cone for Gracie in a princess cup. They loved the show, all the characters and the skating. Gracie's favorite was seeing all the princesses but Aurora. She loves sleeping beauty! It was a fun afternoon!