Christmas at Papa and JoJo's

Santa's been to Papa and JoJo's too!!

Kendall and her new Barbie.

On Christmas afternoon and evening, we go to the Fords' house to celebrate. I also love this tradition. Santa always leaves some toys out there for the girls as well. They had a great time opening their gifts at Papa and JoJo's house.

Christmas Morning

Stacee, me, and Jennifer on Christmas morning. It wouldn't be Christmas if we didn't see each other on Christmas morning. I so love this tradition!!

Katelyn and her raincoat that Nana gave her.

Katelyn and "Paige" that Mimi gave her.

Caroline with her ball popper machine--which scares her to death!!

Kendall and Honey Pie Poney--her favorite gift. She loves her.

Checking it all out.

Santa was good!!!

Cookies for Santa and a picture that Katelyn drew for him.

Reading "The Night Before Christmas"

I think I can. . . I think I can get through with Christmas blogging. Christmas morning was as magical as it could possibly be. The girls were super excited and loved every minute of it. The older I get, the more I love watching Christmas through there eyes. Magical is the only accurate description. Santa was really good this year and the girls got what they asked for. Katelyn's big things were a Barbie razor scooter, baby doll that swims, dancing Barbie doll, marble racing game, and some art supplies. Kendall got an interactive horse, horse that you gallop on, Barbie and a horse (picking up on a theme??) and soem art supplies. Caroline got a ball popper machine (which scares her to death:) and a stroller/push toy for her baby. My mom gave the girls a kitchen and they absolutely love it. It is adorable. Here's a glimpse of our Christmas day.

Christmas Traditions

Yummy cookies!!

Cookie baking time.

The finished product. So cute.

Kendall adding her own special touch.

Ashley and Katelyn getting ready to start on the gingerbread house.

Every Christmas the girls look forward to making a gingerbread house with my mom. They also enjoy baking cookies and decorating them. My mom and the girls spend hours of tedious work to make the gingerbread house just perfect. They also spend a lot of time decorating each cookie. It is something that they look forward to every year. This year the Carpenters were in Americus for a few days and Ashley and Katelyn were inseperable. Ashley got to help out with the gingerbread house and that just made it even more fun for Katelyn. She adores her cousin!! One of my favorite things about the holidays are the rich traditions that surround it. Now that I have three of my own, it's important to establish those traditions and enjoy every second of them!!

Playdate with Emerson

I think it's a sign!

A few weeks ago, Emerson came over for a few hours and played. Kendall loved "taking care" of him. She was very motherly--so cute! He is such a cutie pie and we had a great time. Look at what this little Gator's favorite toy at our house was!!!

Family Gathering

All of the moms!

Pretty comical trying to get 15 kids to cooperate for a picture on the stairs. I didn't get a great shot!

Love all of these matching girls!!

In December, we had some great friends over to our house for our annual "family gathering." It is such a fun tradition. Our kids all wore their PJ's. We all enjoyed dinner together, and the kids exchanged gifts. I couldn't be more thankful for this group of friends. I'm so thankful for raising my children along side of these wonderful friends.

Christmas Pictures

I made a new bow this year (or should I say Kelli did:) and I added this little Santa on top of it. It made me happy all season.

Cute girls!

Happy Girl!!

Sweet Sisters!

The girls loved Santa and told him exactly what they wanted!!

These are a few random pictures from Christmas that didnt' fit into a catagory. More Christmas pictures to come.

Christmas Card Photos

For me, it is always quite a challenge to get the "perfect" picture for the Christmas card. This year, we took the picture on my mom's front porch on her swing. It seemed to work well because everyone was contained on the swing and not free to move around. Here are a few of my favorite shots from that photo shoot.

My girls

Love these pictures of my girls!! I could eat them up!