Countdown to Christmas

So we've been counting down until Christmas, and to help us keep track of the days we've been having fun pulling out a card from our tree each morning to find out what we have planned for that day.
Some of our activities have been:
- decorating a gingerbread house
- making cookies
- having our neighbors over for hot cocoa
- family movie night
- visiting the Zilker tree
- hang our stockings
- checking out some of the better neighborhood lights
- picking out gifts for some less fortunate children
- baking a birthday cake for Jesus

When the cat's away, the mice play. Mark was out of town, so the three of us girls began our evening at Chuy's and ended up at the Zilker tree.

Cheese! Our bellies are full of it too!

Waiting for the tree to light up.

Another visit with Santa.

Let's get dizzy!

It was very tempting, but we finished our houses.

When can I eat it Mommy?

Making cookies for the neighbors.

Sippin' on hot cocoa with our awesome neighbors.

Checking out some crazy light shows down the street.

After making the cake, Isabella asked "When is Jesus coming?"

Conversations with Victoria

Victoria: Let's sing a song Daddy.
Daddy: Okay, what do you want to sing?
Victoria: Easter Run
Daddy: Easter Run?
Victoria: Easter Run
Daddy: I don't know what that is. How does it go?
Victoria: Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it Easter Run in one horse open sleigh. Hey!

Christmas in El Paso

We traveled by car to El Paso for Christmas. It took us about 8.5 hours total; not bad time considering we had two little ones with us. They kept busy with books, movies, snacks, and Color Wonder coloring books (which I absolutely love).

We spent our week with Nana and Grandpa Rami and also made time to visit with the Ramos family as well as Papo and Traci. Mark and I both agree that the week flew by way more quickly than we had hoped. Time flies when you're having fun! And on the day we left, we had a nice surprise...SNOW!

Making cookies (and a mess) with Nana.

Nana and Grandpa Rami, we had a great time! Thank you!

Sweet Baby Marco, welcome to the family! We're so glad you're finally home!

Feeling fancy in their Christmas dresses.

Making more messes with Papo and Traci.

Ta-da! The girls masterpieces were pretty and delicious!

It was so great to catch up with Laura and Eric. Miss you guys!

Bye Bye OHUMC!

Our family has absolutely loved being a part of OHUMC Preschool. I clearly remember the day all four of us walked in to take our tour. We all immediately got the warm fuzzies. From day one, we thought the director, Ms. Kristin, was the sweetest lady around. She could never be found in her office during school hours because she was always changing diapers, hugging kiddos, talking to parents, and lending extra hands where needed.

The girls enjoyed each and every day that they attended. I felt so comfortable dropping them off on Tuesday and Thursday mornings knowing that they would be loved on and cared for each and every day by their amazing teachers. The day that they BOTH sent to school without their lunches, they were fed. When they got wild with paint, their clothes were washed. When they needed extra hugs, they were squeezed.

It was a hard day, when we had to say "Bye Bye" to Ms. Jen, Ms. Natalie, Ms. Karen, Ms. Cyndi, and Ms. Kristin. It was hard for Mommy to keep the tears in because I had intended for the girls to finish their preschool years at this school. I still tear up when the girls squeeze the tummies of their Build-a-Bear buddies that their teachers so generously gifted them on their last day. You can hear the recorded voices of their classmates and teachers say "I Love You!".

Isabella with Ms. Kristin

Isabella with her lead teacher, Ms. Karen

Both girls with their teachers, Ms. Jen and Ms. Natalie. BTW, it was pajama day.

Our Advent Tree

I've been wanting to do a Jesse Tree ever since last year, but I never got my stuff together in time. This year we are simply reading a story out of our Jesus Storybook Bible and hanging the corresponding ornament after each reading. Isabella and Victoria look forward to their turn to hang the ornaments. Isabella stands on her tiptoes to hang them as high as she can, and Victoria is content to find the lowest hanging branches.

Recent Firsts

First waffle cone...actually first cone of any kind. This is a kiddie size? Ridiculous! This will not happen again. Half way through, we took it away fearing upset tummies. Victoria willingly handed it over. It was not that easy for Isabella.

First haircut for Victoria. She was even braver than her big sister.

Breakfast with Santa

The Austin Junior League's Breakfast with Santa was so much fun! The wait was a bit long for a little one, but Santa was sweet and jolly, just as he should be. The morning was filled with live music, breakfast, and sipping on a very special treat...chocolate milk with whipped cream and sprinkles! A big thanks to Mimi for coming! We loved having her with us!

Thanksgiving Program

Our sweet tarts took part in their preschool Thanksgiving program. Neither of them did much singing. In fact, they both ran off stage in the middle of the program and tried to sit with their daddy who was is the front row trying to catch some memories on film. The program ended with a delicious feast that parents and children were able to share together. It was all so precious!

Thanksgiving in San Antonio

This Thanksgiving was spent with family in San Antonio. We had a great time staying with Charlie and Kathy, and a delicious time stuffing our bellies.

Marissa, April and Steve getting the festivities started.

Getting some quality time with Cynthia.

The girls

A beautiful day for an outdoor game of chess

The hostess, Kathy/Grandma, with Marissa and Zack

Auntie April and adorable Zander

Auntie Cynthia and giggly Grayson

The cousins were working hard on decorating their cookies.

"One for my mouth, one for my cookie. One for my mouth, one for my cookie."