the mcdonalds

December 9, 2009

Cousins

This is a picture of me with my cousins Megan and Megan. Obviously, we are all pregnant. Clearly, one would think I am due first. Sadly, I am not. :) That's what I get for being the oldest (almost 30!!!!!!!!!!!!! GASP!) and for this being my second (or fourth...depending on how you count them) pregnancy. Anyway, I still love the picture and I am excited for all our little ones to grow up together! Megan (in the middle) is also having a girl and Megan (on the end) is still waiting to find out. We are doing what we can to keep the McDonald family expanding (literally) because it just isn't big enough yet...YEAH RIGHT! Have you seen the McDonald clan? It's enormous! Fortunately, everyone is fun, funny, loving, beautiful and supportive (not exaggerating...Dan is a great example if you need proof :) ) so I am happy to continue the gene pool. :)

December 8, 2009

Flash Back

December 7, 2009

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Brrrr! We are staying inside these days because the freezing wind up here in Buckley is too cold for us! Jaxie pretty much stays in front of the fireplace 24 hours a day (clearly, she lives a difficult life) and Dan and I keep Ellie busy (or rather, she keeps US busy) with lots of holiday crafts, games, etc. Our favorites lately are making Christmas wrapping paper and homemade gifts, "camping" in forts, preschool activities (Ellie LOVES to trace, write letters and numbers, and has even started some really basic reading! HOORAY!), and of course playing "mommy" to all the baby dolls in our house. We also finally finished up our decorating! The house looks so festive with beautiful garland on the staircase and over the front door, candles lit, and of course our RIDICULOUSLY enormous Christmas tree. I can't help but laugh every time we look at it. Certainly a memory we will never forget. Anyway, here is a mishmash of pictures from our days here at home. Enjoy!

My little student.

Did I mention our tree was a bit large this year? :)

Such a great helper to Mommy and Daddy

Cookie in one hand, ornament in the other. Atta girl!

Helping Dan with the garland...actually, just eating snacks. It's a mystery why she can't keep her pants from falling off her tiny butt when she eats as much as she does!

Checking the advent calendar!

Jaxie working hard at being a dog

December 6, 2009

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

...lean your ear this way, don't you tell a single soul what I'm going to say. Ellie wants a baby doll and a salon set, but if she only gets the doll, she won't be upset. :)

December 2, 2009

5 Months Along...Halfway There!

I'm a bit late on the 20 weeks pics...more like 20 1/2 weeks. Ellie wanted to be in the pictures this time as well. :) Enjoy!

November 29, 2009

Goodbye November, Hello December!

Here are some pictures from our weekend! We were very busy but had the best holiday break. Our neighborhood is fully lit up (I have never seen anything like it!) and Ellie is thrilled by all the holiday hoopla. I absolutely love this time of year and it is SO fun with Ellie because everything is new to her again (she doesn't remember any of it from last year). Family traditions are really important to Dan and I and we are truly enjoying sharing them with our daughter. Enjoy!

Ballet Practice...

Dan putting up the lights. Our neighborhood has a competition and every one really gets into it! It is so much fun (unless you are the one on the ladder!). We decided to do red and white lights. Great job Babe!

Picture with Pops at the annual McDonald Christmas party...Doesn't he look awesome?!

Ellie's list for Santa on the cookie plate...of course we are done shopping for her and she didn't get two of the things on the list. Do you think she will notice? :}

Ellie with picnic basket for our tree chopping adventure...hot apple cider, homemade cookies, and turkey sandwiches. MMMMM!