Pre-Holiday Happenings...

This December has was really GREAT! I tried very hard to make it a little less stressful and busy. We cut out some of the little things that seem to add chaos and stress. It was wonderful! We had less activities, worried less about pleasing others and more about pleasing our little family. And, it paid off. We all snuggled a little longer, watch way too many Hallmark movies together just us girls in our PJ's (all day!), made some yummy treats, special gifts and much more. We kicked off December by heading up to Nashville to visit Daddy as he worked the first week of December. Mimi and Granddaddy went with us and it was super fun. You girls couldn't get enough of the sweet sweet Santa at the Gaylord and I think he had a thing for the three of you too as the sweet hugs in the pics show very well. We visited every inch of that hotel (at least 3 times HA). The month was so good that it is January and I am just now posting all of this. I think after 4 months of non stop selling MJC and being near a computer, Mommy needed a break! I traded the computer screen for the TV screen and warm snuggles under a blanket with my loves!

We watched the snow fall and played with the super adorable puppies as Daddy continued to work. I love the pic below of him in his work mode! I could tell how much he enjoyed showing you three angels off to all the people at the convention.

After the Rockettes, you all were fired up! I think that was your favorite part of the trip!

Another stop by to see Santa. I left off all the cuddling pics but I will put them in your albums. He was super sweet to each one of you girls! This is the very first place that Anna Grace ever visited Santa on her second Christmas. AG, you were barely 1 yr old and you scared poor Santa half to death with your blood curling scream. I think the whole hotel might have jumped a little once you hit his knee.

Then, we had to get back to reality and finish out the school performances, church shows, ballets, etc. First up, we have Adelynn's cubbie christmas performance. She decided to throw a little hip action into the jingle bell song.

Ailee, your little ballet performance was precious and brought tears to mommy's eyes when you all huddled around the manager at the end. You are following right behind AG and are on your way to be a beautiful ballerina!

Anna Grace, you have been so blessed each year in school to have such a precious group of good girls by your side. You and Katarina were instant best buddies in Kindergarten and having her in your class and challenge this year has made you bounce up each morning ready to head off to school. Love these sweet friends!

And, you had 2 very special performances this year. What a blast it was to see you get to show off your violin skills. I loved how poised and straight you stood while you played. You just have natural grace and it shows in all you do. (you even stood in your ballet first position during violin, it tickled Mommy and made me smile!) I must say, I know I am bias but you looked like a pro up there for your first recital!

Then, for my FAVORITE of all time Christmas events. The Nativity! I look so forward to this weekend every year and the minute the stations start to play Christmas songs, I can't wait for tunes from this show to play in our car. We all bust into our own sitting down versions of ballet routines from our car seats! I know we look super silly to everyone near us but we very much enjoy it and the proof is that it continues until New's Years Day when the last nearby station stops playing songs! This event blesses the depths of my soul and reminds our entire family that Christmas is about the very first gift! and nothing more!