let it snow!

We woke up to snow the day after Christmas! Emma Jane wasn't sure what to think at first, but then we couldn't get her to come inside even though she was freezing! She had fun attempting to make snow angels and throwing "snowballs" at us. Vivi made it outside for one quick photo to document her first snow experience. We weren't expecting a white Christmas, so it was a wonderful surprise!

christmas morning

Christmas morning was very special for us this year. We enjoyed celebrating with our two sweet girls. Santa brought Emma Jane and Vivi some nice gifts. This year Emma Jane had lots of fun unwrapping her presents and ours too! She especially liked the plasma car and bouncy turtle from Santa. Paul surprised all of us with winter hats and tiny mittens for Vivi. Attached to my hat was the biggest surprise of all...a pair of beautiful diamond stud earrings! Paul made a delicious frittata for breakfast using the new frittata pan his parents gave him. Little Vivi slept through all the excitement once again. It was a perfect day filled with lots of laughter and love.

santa babies

We did manage to take a trip to see Santa before Christmas. Emma Jane was not at all interested in sitting in his lap and we weren't ready for Vivi to get too close either, so we decided on a family shot! Unfortunately, it's not the best picture of any of us (including Santa who looks like he's snoozing!), but it will give us a great memory of our first family of four Christmas. Emma Jane did ask Santa for "bubble crafts" but we still have no idea what that might be. He did leave her lots of craft items in her stocking and that seemed to be just fine with her!

santa, please don't eat my cookies!

We had a very quiet, yet magical Christmas Eve. Emma Jane finally put the star on top of our Christmas tree (with a little boost from dad). She also spread some reindeer food in the front yard so Santa could find our house. Our tradition is to open just one gift on Christmas Eve. Emma Jane got to open one gift of her choice and one of Vivi's too. She also helped Paul and me open ours. Vivi quietly watched us from her bouncy seat with bright, wide eyes. To our surprise, one thing Emma Jane was not happy about was leaving cookies for Santa. She and her Grandma Jane made a big batch of Christmas cookies last week and they must have been pretty special since she pitched a fit about sharing them with Santa. She cried great big crocodile tears saying over and over, "But I don't want Santa to eat my cooookies!" It was pitiful, but a bit funny at the same time. When she saw the presents that Santa left her the next morning, she quickly forgave him for eating her cookies.

flower child

Vivian is practicing her smiling skills!

preschool party

Emma Jane's preschool Christmas party was last week. All of the parents were invited. It was fun to watch her interact with her teacher and classmates. She is definitely a leader and not at all shy. Emma Jane is very kind to her friends and even seems to have a crush on a little boy named Will!

four tiny reindeer

Emma Jane enjoyed a night of Christmas cooking and crafts at Lily's house last weekend. To be extra festive, everyone wore Christmas pajamas. Miss Sara even provided everyone with personalized reindeer antlers! The girls decorated Christmas cookies with red and green icing and lots of sprinkles. They had more fun eating the decorations than using them to decorate the cookies! What beverage is a necessity when eating cookies? Milk of course! These girls actually had fancy chocolate milk with marshmallows and tiny chocolate chips. After their cookie-making session, they got crafty and made snowman snowglobes. They also sponge painted a bag to put their goodies in. Fun was had by all...moms included!

grateful for grandmas

We have been so lucky to have both grandmas stay with us these past few weeks after Vivian's birth. Grandma Di stayed for over two weeks and was a lifesaver! Emma Jane enjoyed playing games and doing crafts with Grandma Di and Vivi loved the cuddles. Grandma Jane arrived this past weekend. Emma Jane loves all of the cool things Grandma Jane sews for her including fleece nightgowns and pajama pants, a hooded poncho, and stuffed frogs! Vivi continues to be spoiled by Grandma Jane's snuggles, too. Walker even gets a little extra attention with the grandmas here! Paul and I are grateful to have moms who are so wonderful and willing to help out.