2011 Recap

What a great year this has been!  We've settled into our new house, done some remodeling, and replaced the sewer line.  We took vacations to the Bahamas, Junction, and the Ranch.  We've played with family and friends, and many other activities to fill our year.

Looking back, I'm amazed at how much our girls have grown.  They've gone from being toddlers to preschoolers.  They have very active imaginations and stay busy most of the time.  They play hard, work hard, and sleep hard.  All the while, bringing us joy and laughter.  Of course, they have their moments which frustrate us to no end, but that's part of what being 3 this all about.

I know I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it over and over again, but we truly are blessed beyond measure.  Now to see what wonderful plans God has for us in 2012.

Four Generation Pictures

Bryan is blessed to have all 4 of his grandparents still enjoying life.  So, we made it a priority to get 4 generation pictures from both sides of the family.

Daddy and Emma, Papaw, Mamaw, Memaw and Ella

Datt, Papa and Ella, Nana and Emma, Daddy

Extended Family Christmas Celebrations

First came Christmas with Daddy's family:

Ella

Emma

Memaw was so happy to receive new pictures of her
kids and grandkids, she started crying.

Memaw explaining to the grandkids, the reason they received
new suitcases and backpacks is:
They're taking us on an ALASKAN CRUISE this summer!!!

Then we celebrated with Mommy's family:

Snow White Dolls

Daddy helping us figure out what's in this big box
from Grammie and Grandy.

It's a new, indoor see-saw!

Aleisha snuggled up under the afghan I made for
her birthday and Christmas present.

Our Angels modeling new Mickey
jammies from the Lights.

What a wonderful Christmas season this has been.  We love our families so very much and know how much we are loved by them.  Thank you all for making this a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Morning

We are BLESSED!  Christmas is about so much more than presents!  The greatest gift of all: God's Son.  While we openly and proudly acknowledge this fact, we were also very blessed with presents this year.

 Our sweet girls are so accustomed to coming in our room and crawling into our bed in the morning, they began their day like any other.  As parents, we couldn't think of a better way to start Christmas day.  We reminded them what day it was and quickly went to see what Santa had left.

Emma found the Cleaning Trolley.

Ella went straight for her new Bike.

After looking at the "big" presents Santa brought we moved on to our stockings.

Duffy the Disney Bear Spinning Lights

Emma modeling some new socks.

Ella was quick to take the fruit from everyone's
stockings to the fridge.  On the way, she noticed Santa
had enjoyed his late night snack.

Uncle Newton joined in the fun, and Santa even
left a stocking filled for him.

I just love this picture!

We then moved back to the tree to open presents from each other and other family members.

Emma modeling a dress from Clora Ann

Helping Mommy open her new Shark Vac Then Steam.
I LOVE this gift!!

Daddy's new razor

After breakfast, the girls were ready to try out their new bikes.  It was still pretty cold outside, so Daddy moved the car and the girls rode in the garage for a while.

Emma

Ella

Grammie and Grandy came over.  We ate lunch, played games, and it was finally warm enough to ride the new bikes outside.  They had a little trouble getting used to the bikes.  Their tricycles would allow them to pedal backwards or forwards.  Pedaling backwards on the new bikes caused them to stop.  This was discouraging for them, so Emma switched back to riding her tricycle part of the time.

Ella

Emma

As I said in the beginning, We Are Blessed!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was so fun this year!  The girls are really starting to understand what this Christmas thing is all about and are very excited for it.  And, of course, that excitement is contagious.  

This year, Ella and Emma got to open one present on Christmas Eve.

What is it?

New Jammies!!

We set out Santa's Milk, Cookies, and Peanut Butter Ball:

 And spread the Magic Reindeer Food on the front lawn, so Santa would be sure to find our house.  (They made this at preschool.)  What fun to be sprinkling food on the lawn for the reindeer!

 We then went inside to read "The Night before Christmas" and the true Christmas story from the Bible.

Ella

Emma

The girls insisted on getting their Bibles to follow along
while I read.

Then it was time to go to sleep, so Santa could deliver the presents.   It took them a little extra time to go to sleep, but they finally did.

Aren't they cute?!?

Preschool Christmas Party

Opening Presents from the Teacher (a.k.a. Ms. Carla)

New Scarves!

Playing Pass the Pickle

Acting out "The 12 Days of Christmas"

December Joy

Emma

Ella

Helping me make dinner.

Chillin' with Daddy

Yummy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Ella Stylin'

I told them to "Strike a Pose" and this is what they did.