The Last of the Christmas Festivities and Bike Riders

We headed to Athens recently for another round of Christmas and I always love for the cousins to get to play together. A favorite game because they all can play is Ring Around the Rosie.



We all fall down!


The cousins crowd the couch (missing was newborn Aidan and Edie and Ella the west coasters)


Aunt Kaye reads to Finn


We had beautiful weather today and headed out to try out the new wheels. Chloe got a big wheel and poor little girl can't reach the pedals so she has to Frederique Flintstone it. Finn sorta tried to ride her bike but gave up easily. Hopefully with a bit more practice she will take off and fly.

Random funnies from the last few days.....

Since this is my baby book/journal for the girls here are some little gems I do not want to forget.

Finn replying to a lady at church with the words "a knife" when asked what she wanted from Santa. Come to find out she doesn't want to maim or kill, she simply needs to cut her pancakes.

Chloe slapping her knee and saying "Mama you crackin' me up" when I recycled an old joke "How 'bout window?"

Finley and Chloe taking turns being Small One the donkey from a Disney movie.

Watching Finn give birth to a baby (pulling a stuffed animal from her shirt) and wrap him in warm cloths. She has also gotten her cohort Chloe to travel to Bethlehem via bicycle donkey and also portrayed the wise men with gifts.

Finn had to have a new Bible because she had to read about God. She has also told an interesting story about Jonah, the ark and giraffes that will not fit in the window.

Listening to my two girls giggle way past their bedtime is truly priceless. I love those two so very much.

Christmas Day

Finn was a present opening machine


Finn in her new Bama hat courtesy of her Daddy. She yelled "Yes!" when she opened it and I am kicking myself for not capturing it on video. Too sweet!



Chloe's two favorite gifts so far-- JB the Cabbage Patch and the dollhouse. Chloe had to be coaxed into opening the rest of her presents after she got her hands on that bald little bambino.


Finn's fancy red sparkly belt and her Christmas Day outfit were a perfect match.



Chloe standing by the tree at Grandmama and Grandaddy's. She would not let anyone hold JB for more than a few seconds before he had to be rescued.



Princess dress up clothes were a huge hit--thanks Uncle G and Kimberly!


Chloe and JB still together at bedtime

Christmas Eve and Before

In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, we had lots of fun baking, eating and playing. The next few posts are going to be picture heavy writing light for simplicity sake.

Chloe enjoyed dancing while we baked.


It's time for your peanut butter facial my dear!


Peanut butter balls are beautiful and delicious.


Reindeer poop is not beautiful but it is delicious--just ask Finn.


Ummmm, Finn, it really isn't that cold here.


Our tree (taken in a setting that wasn't auto so it isn't great)


Don't cry Chloe, Santa will get here soon.


Showing TeeTee some love!


Matching pj's for all the girls--a new tradition



Hot chocolate while listening to "Twas the night before Christmas" and the real Christmas story


Candy canes off the tree in memory of Big Mama--another new tradition


Santa was here!

Name This Reindeer!

More Photos to Enjoy!

Most of my Christmas cards were placed in the hands of the postmaster this morning so never fear, the cuteness is on its way. I hope you like them! Oh and I am still loving my camera but am too chicken to venture out of auto yet. Soon very soon though.

Gingerbread man killed in brutal massacre!

*********Warning to all--the photos posted below might cause you to become physically ill or make you crave a man made of cookie*************************

the torture begins

How about a little Hungarian eye poke you saucy cookie you?

You still don't want to spill the secrets of the baker's recipes? How about a little loose lips icing then? Does that feel good?

hmmmm, what should I do next?

aha, the never fail method of getting cookies to crack--blue truth salt, it burns upon contact with sugar, so good luck cookie boy, you're gonna need it.

The first phase done and he was still a cookie with integrity.

Not the gumdrop buttons!!!!!!!

Even after losing an eye, his buttons, two legs and lots of dignity, Mr. Ginger Bread never gave up the secrets he was sworn to protect. We could all use a cookie like that in our corner.

FYI

Unless I get my own version of a Christmas miracle from Shutterfly, friends and family will be receiving an early New Year's Card. What are you going to do? Stuff happens....and Edie and Ella, I am very sorry but you will have to settle for an emailed copy of that first picture because it is not "the" card pic. The one on the card, yep, it is much cuter!!!!!

First Great Pictures!

Here you go--a few pics from our final Christmas card session and first chance to get snapping outside. Hope you enjoy!

Hello Goodbye!

The big reveal of the best Christmas present ever is upon us. Can you feel the excitement building? Are you all aflutter? I was as I waited ever so impatiently for my UPS man yesterday. Here is what came to me straight from Amazon:


I got an amazing deal on the camera I had all but given up on. Well not totally given up on, but I had resigned myself to a cheaper less bells and whistles model with a lens upgrade. I have been stalking sale ads for months and doing lots of research, reading, and asking for personal reviews of products from people I know. I have a lot of reading to do and buttons to decipher but I will be around tomorrow with new pics to share. I can't wait can you?

The Best Christmas Present Ever

Would be for somebody, anybody, to comment on my blog!!!! Give me a little pat on the back, a hey girl loved that last post it made lol. I'm really begging here. Oh and check back in approximately 5-6 days and you will see my real Christmas present. It is TDO--to drool over---which I have been doing for months. I can't wait to share because it is really great.


P.S. 1> The gift will arrive via UPS or Fedex not the stork so get that idea out of your head already!
2> I will be commenting like crazy on the blogs I routinely visit because what is good for my readers is good for me. So get to posting!

The 12 Ornaments of Christmas