Gracie's Christmas Party

Gracie checking out her treats!She went straight for the sweet tarts and marshmallows

All her friends enjoying the party

Good juice

No party is complete without a little hammering on the slide.

Today was Gracie's school party. She had a fun time enjoying a special snack and extra playtime.

P.S. Gracie decided she would open Dada's Christmas presents while Mommy was in the shower this morning. She got about 1/2 of them opened before I put an end to her fun. She must have thought his presents weren't that great b/c she just threw them all to the side. When I caught her she goes "where mine?"

Annual Christmas Party

The A D Pi girls. Niccole and I are the pregnant bookends!
Me, Alison, Claire and Jennifer

Me, Alison and Heather

Heather, Elaine, Jamie and Melanie

Gracie does miss any action either! She wants a present too!

Every year, my mom, sister and I host a Ornament Swap brunch for our good friends. It's always so much fun and we look forward to it all season. We had a wonderful turnout and lots of stolen ornaments this year!

All Aboard the Polar Express!

We had such a nice day on Sunday. We started with attending our niece Karoline's christening in Birmingham. She was perfect during the service and afterwards we enjoyed a fun lunch at Alex and Karyn's house and visiting with friends.

The other big event of the day was our ride on The Polar Express. Our group arrived in jammies and quickly got lined up for our train ride. We boarded the train and then as we took off towards the North Pole the story was read over a speaker. After the story as we were approaching the North Pole, everyone began singing Christmas Carols. We arrived at our destination to see Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves standing outside waving to us. The Elves boarded the train first and passed out jingle bells to everyone. Next Santa and Mrs. Claus boarded the train and visited with all the children. Gracie wasn't too sure about them, but still went to Mrs. Claus. After their visit, everyone had a snack of chocolate milk and cookies. I've never seen Gracie drink her milk so fast! She really loved the chocolate milk! The elves came back and passed out a Christmas present to all the children. We made our trip back to the train station and all the kids had a blast.

Ho Ho Ho!

Wow, much to our surprise, Gracie actually somewhat enjoyed her visit with Santa today at the mall. Alan and I were fully prepared to make it a family picture and have to sit with her while she visited. She was excited all morning to go. We finally get to the mall and she becomes very unsure of the situation. Luckily there were 2 little girls in front of us and she watched them. We SLOWLY approached Santa as it was our turn. We stood and talked to him and she gave him "5". Then we decided it was time to put her in Santa's lap. She went without much hesitation, but would never look at him or talk to him. But she didn't cry and she looked at the camera so I can't ask for much more!!!

Baby it's cold outside!

Getting ready for the parade!

Is Gracie in there?

Having fun watching the parade and especially the bands!

Gracie and Towns decorating a tree in the park!

This week has been filled with fun Christmas activities. Monday was the Christmas parade in downtown Decatur. We bundled up and braved the cold. Gracie enjoyed the parade, as did Alan and I. We came home and enjoyed watching Charlie Brown's Christmas. Thursday, Junior League had a little tree trimming party in the park. Gracie and her friend Towns had fun putting ornaments on the tree and playing at the park.

More Birthday Party!

Gracie's favorite past time is celebrating birthdays! When we are in Birmingham, she will get very upset if we come home without attending one. Alan and I have learned we also can't tell her she is going to one until time to go, because she gets to excited and wants it to be party time NOW. This past weekend we celebrated our friend Austin's birthday. She had a big time playing and singing Happy Birthday - which she can do quite well!

Weekend Fun!

What a helper!

Nope, I'd rather play!

Oh to be 2, and lay in the leaves!

Our house all decorated!

Dada and Gracie bundled up for the parade.

This past weekend we started off by raking leaves and decorating our outside for Christmas. Gracie enjoyed playing in the leaves. We went to see the Christmas on the River parade, but a train was stopped on the tracks and blocked all the good viewing spots. We decided it wasn't much fun trying to peek around the train and decided we'd have more fun at home.