All I Want for Christmas

What is it about Christmas?  Do we really get that excited about getting presents or it something more that makes us feel such joy?  This year I felt it more than usual.

Brynnlee woke up early that morning, went to Kevin, and told him that she wanted to see her new Barbie house. How did she know that she got one? "I asked Santa for it."

While we waited for Pressley to wake up, we had our traditional gingerbread pancake breakfast. But this year I changed it up a bit...we had snowmen pancakes with bacon scarves and whipped cream buttons. Yes, they were delicious.

Pressley woke up with wonder and awe. She was so excited about her gifts too.

We had a fabulous Christmas. There was so much joy in watching our girls open their presents and discover their new treats. We are so grateful to have a Heavenly Father who blesses us so much with the things we need and want and with family who will help us out along the way and love us every minute.

Christmas Eve

We love Christmas Eve pajamas around here. Growing up, I always loved Christmas Eve more than Christmas. Maybe it was the anticipation that I loved. My family always went to a movie and had a special dinner together. I miss that a lot. I have struggled to create a Christmas Eve that made me feel as happy with my own family. So far we have done something different every year instead of tradition activities.

I asked the Sister Missionaries over for lunch this year. I hoped to make sure the girls understood that meaning of Christmas and thought they could help us. After our meal, we read the Christmas story from the Book of Mormon. I want the girls to understand how people knew the Savior was coming and that they knew how important this time was.

Then we opened Christmas jammies, of course. This year Grandma Eames added a special something to the girls pajama presents....hot chocolate mugs. The girls love to drink hot chocolate and loved to open their own mugs. We opened presents, warmed up in baths, made hot chocolate, and cuddled up to watch The Polar Express. It was a magical way to get ready for Christmas.

Santa Visit

We were so lucky to get a visit from Santa this year. The girls were crazy excited that he came. We were a little worried that Pressley would cry when she saw him, but she talked to him and climbed up on his lap. Santa even brought them special presents early.

One of Kevin's co-workers owns a Santa suit. He volunteered to come to homes and visit the children. He just did it because he loves Christmas.

Christmas Dresses

Finding Christmas dresses for my girls is always one of my favorite things to do. I don't like to put them in the same dress, but I like them to coordinate. This year was a little tough because Brynnlee became a picky little dress wearer. But finally we found the perfect dresses that look perfect together.

There is Beauty All Around

One day I saw a friend's picture post on Facebook. It was a picture of sunflowers. She mentioned that there was a field of them close to where we lived. I grabbed the girls to take a look. What we saw was breathtaking. None of these pictures capture the beauty of the sunflowers, and I don't have the words to express how blessed I felt.  .

Brynnlee Turns Five

Brynnlee turned 5, and she celebrated with friends at her ice cream birthday party.

They made an ice cream cone craft with paint, crayons,
and loads of glitter.














They played pin the cherry on the ice cream cone.

They took whacks at a giant ice cream cone pinata.

There was ice cream, of course.

Who had a great time?

Off To Kindergarten

How do you wake up one morning and have a little girl old enough to go to Kindergarten? Our sweet little Brynnlee started Kindergarten this year, and I was a total wreck.

Brynnlee packing her first school lunch: a peanut butter sandwich,
carrots, and chocolate pudding

Brynnlee and her friend Noah waiting to go into school

Brynnlee's seat in class

Brynnlee and Mrs. Gullett

Brynnlee's first day of Kindergarten was a success. She had fun and loved Mrs. Gullett. She is doing well, and I am amazed at all that she has learned.  She is a great little Kindergartner.