merry christmas!

as expected, the girls woke up extra early (you can see out the window it's not daylight yet) to see what surprises santa brought for them.  lucy was delighted with her new barbie bike that has streamers along with a mini bike for barbie to ride with her.  edy was excited about her new baby stuff but disappointed that santa did not bring a baby to go with it!  maybe next year?

daddy helping assemble strawberry stortcake's berry cafe

we opened a pile of presents

and then tried them all out

went back to the sled hill, this time for dog sledding, hysterical!  charlie, actually, gave me a few rides up the hill when matt threw a stick for him to chase.  and we discovered if you hold onto the leash while sledding down, he'll give you one heck of a ride!  we had a great time.

and then took barbie out for some fresh air

we missed the rest of our family, but enjoyed our day.  we are so blessed!

twas the night before christmas...

this year these floridians/texans were able to enjoy our first beautiful white christmas and uncle matt joined us for it.  we did lots of sledding and hot chocolate consuming.

went to candlelight service at church,

opened one present from aunt holly (santa jammies), sprinkled our magic oatmeal for the reindeer and put out cookies and milk for the big guy...

which were eaten in a hurry.

and then he came with a sack full of goods!

merry christmas to all and to all a good night!

special delivery!

Santa called us yesterday and said he had an overload of toys to deliver this year that he needed to drop a couple of them off early before the Christmas Eve rush. This is what we got...

Bear

...and everyone is enjoying our new "toy"

a holly jolly good time

we went down the road to golden to catch the festivities and watch their parade. 

the grinch!  the girls' favorite part of the parade, even more so than santa!

Apple Tree Christmas program

Lucy's preschool put on a Christmas program that was absolutely adorable.  They mostly sang a few songs and narrated the Christmas story.  It was so cute to see her up on stage, but frightening she's growing up so fast!  We got there extra early to get a seat in the third row, but still had a heck of a time trying to find our little angel once the pews filled up.  I was standing, squatting, stretching, as were all the other proud parents, just to find her.  She's just right of center, first row, gold dress :-)

she finally spotted us!

downhill fun

snow angels

we're expecting!!

and it's a boy! 

meet Bear, our newest family member who Santa told me he is dropping off for Christmas!