We will start with Whitney at school. It was exciting that she was finally able to attend all three days a week at school this month especially in preparation for Christmas. Their class time was filled with Christmas crafts, songs and stories. She would come home talking about Santa and baby Jesus's birthday. Her Christmas class had a show and they sang around 12 songs. My mom, Ann, Colin and I attended and enjoyed a small reception afterwards. It was nice to visit with some of the other parents. Then the final day of class before Christmas break they had a party and I got to attend. It was fun to watch what went on in the class and how well Whitney follows directions. They got to eat cookies, cupcakes and hot chocolate and received many gifts like candy canes, books, pencils and more. Here are a few pictures.
Always loving on her brother
Mrs. Claus came to visit her classroom.
I have not kept count but for maybe 5 years, we have had an annual Christmas get together with the Bowlins, Gallos, and Swearingens. In years past we have met at a restaurant in Fredericksburg, but as we continued to add more kids we decided that was not doable. This year we were so excited to host at our new house! We put the kids to bed and enjoyed a nice peaceful dinner! The next morning Tim showed off his skills on our new flat top that makes amazing eggs and bacon!
Best group shot
Sort of smiles from the big kids
Every year we have a tree Trimming get together at my parents. My mom made a delicious dinner and we all enjoyed decorating the tree together. Whitney was especially excited and very helpful this year. Here are so cute pictures. Ann was there too!
Marguerite and I usually take turns each year putting on the angel, but we passed the torch this year.
It was a little tricky, so Papa finished the job.
Santa was in full force this year. Whitney was so excited for him to come and asked many question. We were thrilled when the first week we moved here there was a Christmas parade. Tim took Whitney that morning and they had fun waving to Santa and collecting candy canes. Then that night Santa came to our neighborhood. Tim had just tucked Whitney into bed but rushed down to see him! A true highlight of the season!
Cookies! Usually I am a cookie making machine but for obvious reasons that did not happen this season. We did get some cookie making in though but not enough pictures! My 8th annual cookie day with Ann and Gigi. We were limited on time this year so I had made the dough the night before and Ann and I rolled and cut them. Gigi and the twins, now 7, joined us for cookie decorating and dinner. It was loads of fun and Whitney loved keeping up with the big kids. Just didn't get enough pictures!
As I posted on Facebook...To Eat or To Ice...
Lots of eating happened but she did ice for hours!
Colin's participation!
Marguerite and I also headed over to my Mom's to make Nanny's sugar cookies. Unfortunately, we have no pictures to document that day but it was lots of fun!
Tim and I got invited to two Christmas parties on the same night so we decided to make it to both! Grandma and Grandpa babysat and we had fun dressing up for the night. First we headed to Kate and Bill Heyer's then to Kerry and David Guaglianone. We had fun catching up with old and new friends!
We also had an Ashbaugh get together. We were so excited to fit 12 adults at our new dining room table. Tim worked hard making a delicious dinner. We had so much fun visiting with everyone but hardly got any pictures! Katie did bring some delicious desserts!!
Snow! We had a White Christmas which made everything extra special. Whitney spent hours outside for about three days straight. She happily played out there by herself while we all stayed warm inside!
Watching the snow fall together. So sweet!
Many snow angels
Actually, Uncle Casey did go out with her and taught her to throw snowballs at the window!
And built her a snowman!
I have tons and TONS of pictures from the few days surrounding Christmas. Where do I even begin!
Grandma and Grandpa arrived and we got busy getting ready for Christmas!
Yep, I posted it...sorry guys, but can't not document Santa's reindeer!
Our tree made it up on the 22nd. It made everything feel so homey. Plus, gotta remember all the packing boxes and paper piled in the corner!
Christmas Eve was spent with the O'Neill's. We had a blast and even got to Skype with Brady and Niki. We also got to enjoy hearing the Night Before Christmas book that the O'Neill family members recorded in one of those recording books. Whitney loved hearing everyone's voices.
Uncle Casey got Whitney a basketball hoop. It has gotten a lot of action the last week. Definitely one of the favorite gifts!
There are so many pictures from Christmas, I am just going to list them below and narrate a bit.
Cookies, chocolate milk and carrots
Saying goodbye to Candy Cane our Elf
Looking for Santa
Santa found our new house!
Colin spent most of Christmas climbing on top of boxes.
Whitney got three of her major wants off her list...Cinderella Lego castle
Kitchen
Dreamlite
She just keeps asking about the washing machine she asked for...this girl loves to clean!
Delicious breakfast. Eggs, bacon and French toast.
Yes, she is too old for a bib but not when syrup is involved!
Whitney discovered The Sound of Music. What a magical way to spend Christmas morning. We have been singing the songs nonstop!
Everyone was a bit cranky by the end of the day but we did manage a shot without crying!
Tim and I got to cook and entertain so much over the holiday. It was so much fun and we can't wait for many more memories like these in our new home!!
