Christmas 2012

What a wonderful Christmas we have had!  We enjoyed lots of time with both of our families, and created lots of fun memories with the girls.  This was really our first "big Christmas" with the girls, since the past few years they have been too young to really understand.  But this year, we definitely made it a fun year.  We started lots of new traditions, such as Elf on the Shelf, Gingerbread houses, looking at Christmas lights, making mason jar gifts, and of course Christmas morning at our house with the girls.  We were able to go to Christmas Eve service at our own church for the first time in the 12+ years we have gone there.  Avery met Santa twice and sat on his lap and was so excited to ask him for her "make-up" table.  Thankfully, Santa listened and brought both she and her sister princess vanities!  Overall, it was just a wonderful Christmas with our girls.  We are truely blessed! 

 Our first stop was at Nana and Grandpa's house.  The first night we went down to "Zoo lights."

 It was really pretty, but LOTS of work with the girls.  The zoo was packed, it was dark, and the girls were hungry and tired... but it was a cool experience. 

 Avery on a giraffe with her light up sword.

 Grandpa and Nana with Natalie (who looks so thrilled!!). 

Avery wouldn't get in the picture, so here she is by herself. 

 The following day, we celebrated Christmas.  We really missed having the rest of the family there, but we did get to briefly talk on the phone or over the internet. 

 Avery was sooo excited about opening gifts this year!

 Natalie wanted to try her new clothes on. 

 Avery got a Dora microphone from Aunt Tiki Bird that she absolutely LOVES!  Our little performer...

 Playing her new Candyland game.

 Later we visited the park before checking out Christmas lights in the neighborhood!

 Silly monkey!

 And the following morning, the girls opened their stockings to find lots of dress-up clothes!

Our little princess. 

 We then went home, went to church, and came home and got prepared for "Santa's Arrival."  Ted and I had so much fun getting everything ready for the girls this year!

 Christmas morning... they were soooo excited!!!

 Natalie loved her new Barney!  She is so obsessed with Barney right now!

Our little Cinderella!

 My sweet girls....

 Playing with new toys

 My beautiful little princess.  She just lives in her dress up clothes right now.

Singing a duet... haha!

 And then there was Christmas with my family!  Somehow this started a trend....

 And then there were 5 kids riding on shoulders!  This is the closest thing to a family picture we got that night!  Ha!

 Our little family of 4... they look so thrilled to be taking pictures!

 Avery was so excited about a princess castle!

And Natalie got a pony to ride on!

 So fun!!!

 Peyton on his horse.. not so sure about it yet.

 Minnie mouse... I mean, Avery on the pony, with Natalie in the background, saying my horse!!!  Priceless! 

 The kids opening their stockings.

Sweet, sweet Courtney... can't wait until she's old enough to babysit!  Such a good big cousin to the girls!