It's Cookie Time...ut ohhhh!!!

No, I am not talking about Girl Scout Cookies...I am talking about the MESS that comes with the "first cookie"! We gave Olivia a "teething biscuit" while we were eating dinner one night! I learned my lesson with Lexie and let Olivia eat her "cookie" without a shirt on! It is such a mess...but oh, "O" so cute!

Lexie wanted to see what "sissy" was doing....
...little did she know, Olivia would share the mess!!
Who can resist that messy, adorable face?!?!?

Winter Wonderland?

Russ was so excited when we got "just enough" snow so he could take Lexie out for a spin on the sled! Though we didn't get a ton of the white stuff...it was cold! I bundled her up as best I could so she wouldn't freeze to death but could still move her arms!
Hmmmm....she kinda reminds me of someone...

...okay so she doesn't look exactly like the kid from A Christmas Story...but pretty close!
Last minute adjustments before she hits the cold! Lexie is making sure her mittens are on good and tight!
Weeeeeeeeee!
Are we having fun yet?
Looks like some of Santa's helpers wanted in on the fun!
There they go through the neighborhood!
Probably on their way down to Rege's for lunch! He sits corn and apples out for them everyday!
Gran and Olivia got a kick out of Lexie and the deer!

More Holiday Fun!

Olivia is getting sooooo big and is sooooo Cute! Here she is showing off one of her new outfits.
Being that cute is a tough job--getting sleepy sitting on Grandpa's lap!
Sooooooooo tired...big yawn!



It seems as though Lexie never runs out of steam!! Here she is singing for your enjoyment!

Christmas DAY!!!

Drum roll please......

The big reveal!!! She was sooooooooo surprised! Nini, Aunt Allie and Uncle Marcus arrived well after Lexie had gone to bed--coupled with the fact Santa stopped by to leave gifts for the girls...she didn't know what to do with herself!
First she had to give Nini BIG hugs!
Then it was time to open the presents!
With a little help from Daddy, the gift opening was under way!
Olivia looks a little confused!
Russ is very reflective this Christmas!!!
Two instant successes...a broom and a "boat" as Lexie liked to refer to it! Mental note for next year...open the toys AFTER the clothes!
Lexie's new laptop from our dear friends and neighbors Rege and Deb!
Modeling her new coat...and back to the broom!
Finally we went down stairs for another big reveal...an activity table!! She just LOVED it! She made sure to tell everyone which color chair to sit it too!!!
Christmas chaos!!!
Lexie loved the tunnel and tent too!
Olivia still a bit confused, but enjoying Christmas!
Lexie plays Gator golf with Nini before bedtime...
and shows off her new table to Grandpa
Down the slide she goes!!!!
O-what fun that was for Miss O!!!!

Twas the Day Before Christmas....

It was hard to believe that Christmas was less then 24 hours away!!! Thankfully I had plenty of help the few days leading up to Christmas so I wasn't in total panic mode! The house was clean (for the most part), the turkey was thawed (for the most part), the presents were wrapped, and all I had left to do was make the pies. Since I already made the crusts...I was enjoying a lazy kind of morning with Granny and the girls. Most of the hard work was done, so it was time to enjoy the holiday with loved ones!



Granny and Olivia are alllllll smiles...


...and Lexie is too!
We were watching Dora's Christmas Adventure for about the 6th time (maybe more)and luckily I had the camera near by. I just love love LOVE Lexie's new little dance!



wiggle, wiggle, wiggle...



Back to work---pies are DONE!!!
Table is set and ready for our guests!!!

Stockings are hung by the chimney with care.
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there!!!

Can hardly wait to see Lexie's face in the morning!!!

Date Night?

Yes, every so often...there is a phenomena known to some as "Date Night". While I have heard of it, I am not too familiar with it. All kidding aside, it has been a while since Russ and I got out for an evening just the two of us, so when the doctors from the office decided to have the Holiday office party we jumped at the chance to go...especially since Granny was here to watch the girls! We had a great time with all of the staff from MFH!!! Hope to do it again soon!

Oh Christmas Tree---Oh Christmas Tree...

After finally deciding we were going to get a LIVE tree this year, we loaded up and headed to Hozak Farms to find the perfect Christmas tree. Russ had envisioned taking a hayride out to the fields and cutting one down himself, but it was cold, there was a ton of snow on the ground, and we were running out of time! Needless to say, there were plenty of pre-cut trees to pick from. I didn't want a tree with a long pine needle so we settled on a Fraiser Fir! I thought it was a charming "little" tree, but I think Russ really had his sights on the field. Once we got the lights and the decorations on it...he came around! Next year, IF we decide to get a live tree again...we will be heading to the tree farm earlier!

Olivia all bundled up in her big sister's old snow suit trying to stay warm!
Lexie was having a great time checking out all of the trees!!!
With our tree picked out, it was time to head to the Barn to let Lexie pick out her Christmas ornament...and so we could all warm up a bit!
Loving the snow...red nosed and all!!!
No, this isn't a postcard but rather a picture I took on the way home! The snow may be a bit much at times, but here it is absolutely stunning! Mother Nature's Artwork!!!
Back home warming up...Lexie is completely in awe by the movie the Polar Express!! (Looks as though we may be taking a trip on the PE next year Nini)

Olivia resting on Granny's lap while we get the tree set up!
"Now everyone stand back!"
Lexie attempts to put the first ornament on the tree!

The lights are on...let the decorating begin!