Christmas Cacophony

The Joy is on Her Face

Some pictures from our visit to The Cannery in Sumner. Ellie got free popcorn, candy, hot chocolate and a balloon. She saw Santa, talking chickens, horse carriage rides, and toy trains galore. I mean, for a kid, what else is there? :)

Happy Birthday Mema

To Sandy's House We Go

Thursday night we went to Sandy and Greg's house for a Christmas visit. We had a great time eating WAY too much (Chicken Divan and salad for dinner, candy and peppermint ice cream and hot cocoa ice cream for dessert!) and exchanging gifts. Ellie of course was in sheer HEAVEN because, per usual, Sandy and Greg did their best to make her feel like a little princess. They SERIOUSLY need grandkids...hint hint to Jaret/Ashley. :) Afterward, we stopped by Snowflake Lane in Bellevue to dance with the drummer boys and say hello to a few snow characters. It was a wonderful night!

At Sandy and Greg's House...the decorations were AMAZING!

Thanks Guys!

Cowgirl Hat #1

Cowgirl Hat #2 With Daddy at Snowflake Lane

Ellie's Visitors

I don't know what it is about Christmastime that brings people to visit more than usual but WE LOVE IT! In addition to our travels to the homes of friends and family, Ellie has been enjoying the recent stream of visitors at our house. Usually it is so quiet around here with just the 4 (soon to be 5!) of us, but lately there has been more noise, laughter, chaos and delight. I think it is God's way of preparing her for her sissy! Also, Uncle Manny and his brother-in-law are staying with us all this week so that only adds to the fun. Ellie played soccer, tea party, fishing, and store with Uncle Manny last night and has a whole list of activities for today. :) He is a VERY patient uncle!

Ellie gives Nana (and Papa) a handmade Christmas present

Ellie explaining EVERY Christmas decoration in detail to her Nana and Papa

Dan and Papa playing Hungry Hungry Hippos...ironically, Ellie had to ask if it was OK if she could play too!

Ellie and good friend Sawyer eating yet another Christmas cookie!

Jossie is still learning to walk but apparently already knows how to fly!

Ellie waiting for her friends...clearly she is not at all excited!

Ellie, Liam and Rylee preparing to make handprint wreaths

Happy Holidays!

Be Merry

Saturday night we went to a Christmas party at our friends Bob and Rosanna's house. All the little kids and parents were there and we had the best time. There were gift exchanges for the kids and LOTS of food and dessert for everyone (Thanks for the jalapeno poppers Rosanna! Baby thanks you!). Our kids are grown up enough now that we adults actually got to enjoy conversation while they played in the playroom! Amazing! All in all, it was a great night!

Mommy of two girls...I better get used to doing hair!

Ellie has such beautiful hair! I just love this picture.

Some of the many many little friends...these are the "first stringers" without the little siblings

Ellie and her Mama :)

Ellie opening her present...Hungry Hungry Hippos Game!

Ellie and good friend Jacob

And here is our attempt at using the timer on our camera. Needless to say, Jaxie was NOT cooperating!

Around Our House

Daddy and Ellie play Twister. I have to tell you that this was HILARIOUS! We all laughed the whole time!

Neighbors came over for Pizza, Wii Bowling, and a cookie decorating party. So fun!

The kids watching a movie on our kitchen chairs in the family room. They thought this was so "cool." :)

Ellie being Ellie in her playroom. Fortunately, we are having another girl so we don't need to change the colors!

This picture cracks me up. This is where Jaxie goes everyday around 5ish (when Dan gets home). She is absolutely miserable without him and sits at the top of the stairs so she can see out the little cut out window above the entry way. When his car pulls into the driveway, it is absolute chaos! Jaxie (and the rest of us) go crazy with excitement. Who needs Santa? We have Dan and I swear his arrival home each day is just like Christmas morning! :)

Ellie waits with Jaxie and gets a good Jax kiss in the meantime!