Flowerina

The girls got a kit to make Flowerinas for Christmas from Jommy. They have been dying to make one so this morning we sat down and worked on one. Ellie's motto was: the more petals, the better.

Reading

 

Found Norah "reading" a book to Ellie. It sounded very interesting and had a Mommy, a kitty, and two people "who were very happy and got married." From what I could gather (before they caught me listening), those two people were sisters. As much as they argue, the love between them takes my breath away.

Last Christmas

Today we saw Laura, Neva, Nate, Levi and Mikayla and exchanged presents at Jommy and Pops house. We had so much fun playing and had a yummy meal of jambalaya.

Maycember

The weather today felt like spring. We spent most of it outside in bare feet and short sleeves. Definitely doesn't feel like it's almost January!

Until Next Year

We have had our Christmas decorations up since Thanksgiving, so when we woke up the day after Christmas, we decided to say goodbye until next year. On to 2016!

Christmas

We had a relaxing Christmas Day. Santa (and the grandparents and parents) were very good to Norah and Ellie. There were Legos, Barbies, Snow boots and gloves (even though it was 78 degrees that day!), and lots of books. The best part was how much fun the girls had and their Christmas spirit.

Christmas Eve

We had a great Christmas Eve at our house. In the morning, we opened presents from FaFa and Magee. The girls and FaFa did a science experiment from their new kit and made jiggly crystals. Mike smoked a turkey all day and we had a yummy dinner with Jommy and Pops, Meme, and Tera and Mark and the boys. Then, we caroled with the neighbors and and left cookies for Santa!

Christmas Eve Eve

We had a visit from Rudolph today!

Holiday Cheer

Norah brought the cheer to breakfast. 

Cookie decorating

We had some friends over to decorate cookies today. So fun!

Gingerbread House

We built our gingerbread house yesterday. The girls have only tried to eat it 148,947 times today.

Light Walk

Snapped a quick photo of the girls dressed in pajamas and warm clothes before we took a chilly walk around our neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. They were super prepared and are wearing three coats each.

Snuggles

We celebrated the first afternoon of winter break by watching Frosty the Snowman and snuggling up on the couch.

Trunk

Picked up this cute 3 year old at the grocery store today.

Christmastown

We went to Christmastown tonight and it didn't disappoint. On the way, Norah kept saying "I am SO EXCITED! Thank you Mommy! Thank you Daddy!" We enjoyed rides, hot chocolate, a train ride, and of course lots of lights.

Bird

We had a very exciting morning! When I let Rosie out to use the bathroom, a bird who lives in our fern on the front porch decided to come in and visit. It was quite an adventure. First, it landed in our kitchen light, then it landed on the ceiling fan in the playroom and took a ride when Mike turned it on, and then it perched on a frame. Norah was very helpful, when she suggested that "we will have to call the mayor!" Finally, we turned off the lights except for the front porch and it flew out. Whew!

Snowflake the Elf

Snowflake the elf finally decided to show up this season! The excitement this morning was at an all time high. Ellie's questions: Is he real? Does he walk on the floor? Norah's first question: I wonder if he will drink out of our syrup bottle?!

Middle of December

The weather has been so unseasonably warm for mid-December. It's a little strange to have Christmas decorations up and it be 68 degrees outside, but I'm not complaining!

Self portraits

Posing with their self-portraits on the chalkboard wall. With crowns, of course.

Santa

The girls had quite a night at the family party for Mike's company. They got dressed up (Ellie was actually very excited), had dinner with a view, and got to meet Santa.

Sisters

My girls, all ready for their first Christmas party over the weekend.

Pick up

Ellie: Mommy, is No-wah coming yet?

Advent calendar

Our arc advent calendar is a favorite this year. Norah asks each day after school to take the animal out for the "A-vent" calendar. It's been so fun to see their excitement building for Christmas this year.

Little shopper

Ellie found a hiding spot.

I can't at home

I told Norah "No" to a request. She then informed me that Meme has a sign at her house that says "I can at Grandma's," to which I responded that she lives at our house. Then, she went to get some paper and created this sign (with a little help), which proudly hangs on our kitchen table.

Tree

Doesn't get much better.

Rosie

This old girl has been sick recently and her liver is having trouble working correctly. Although she's been tired and not quite her young self, she's still happy and comfortable. Hoping a special diet will help. For now, she's just happy to soak up some sun.

Mustache

This picture does not do the final mustache justice. It was difficult for Mike to maintain at times, but worth it. He raised around $2,300 for local children's charities and the entire organization raised over $150,000 which is amazing.

Lego

Not sure what is happening to the lego lady, but things do not look good.

Lunch date

Ellie and I had a lunch date and did some Christmas shopping after school.

Spilled Milk

I blame the torrential rain for why the milk jug slipped out of my hand and gushed all over the garage and driveway. At least it helped wash away the mess.

Candy Garland

This candy garland is my most favorite Christmas decoration that we have. It was handed down to me from my mom, who had it on her tree as a child and I just love it.

Ice Skating

They set up an ice skating rink for the season at a shopping center near our house. We tried it out and the girls did great.

Tree

We got our Christmas tree the day before Thanksgiving and the girls couldn't wait to get it decorated, so we checked that off our list!

Thanksgiving 2015

Thanksgiving 2015 was spent at Jommy and Pops' house, where you are allowed to eat directly from the pie dish before dinner.

Norah

New (to us) winter coat! We love our hand me downs from cousin Cathryn.

Dentist

Great check ups for both girls at the dentist. And they looked awesome while getting their teeth cleaned.