Temple Lights

Beautiful.

You can tell by the picture that Ava was more than thrilled to be there. She couldn't wait to put on all her winter gear and see the lights. It's not often that we get the mittens, hats and coats out.

Props to all the people who put up all of the lights this year. We especially liked how they even made sure to add lights to the planters.

Here's Reid checking out the lights. All snug with his cozy blanket.

I don't want to distract from the cuteness of my family in this pic (because they sure are cute!), but seriously, which thing doesn't belong 1) people wearing winter gear 2) Christmas lights or 3) blooming flowers.

I doubt I'll have anytime to post before Christmas, so hope you all have a very merry Christmas!

Santa's Watching

I was a little worried about if Josh was going to be on the good list this year, so I went straight to the big guy. He's the nicest guy. He even sent a message just for Josh...if you can believe it. Check it out.

http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/23abe596938f2d91383e849f03c21322

I also did one for Ava. I must admit, she was pretty shocked by the whole thing. Especially when he said her name.

The big day

Lets take a stroll back through Ava's past history with St. Nick. Here's Ava's first visit.

The next year wasn't any better. She sat on his lap for a mere millisecond...if that.

Wanting Ava to have a better experience this year, I went into prep mode a week before the visit. We read The Night Before Christmas every night, we acted out possible scenarios that could happen, practiced what she would ask for, and we watched Dora's Christmas Special (where she visits Santa) over and over and over. This is how Ava's encounter with Santa went.

I'm so proud of my little girl! Even though she felt like crying, she held it together. She sat on his lap...leaps and bounds above last year. And by the end of the visit she was even able to squeak out what she wanted. I wish I got a pic of Ava afterwards. She was smiling from ear to ear and would show her bag of candy that Santa gave her to anyone who would ask if she saw Santa.

Reid didn't know what the big deal was. He doesn't care who is holding him, just as long as he's being held.

Here's one lap that both kiddos don't mind sitting on.

This year I decided to start a advent calendar for Ava. Each day leading up to Christmas we do a different activity. Today's activity was writing a letter to Santa. I found this cute print-out that was perfect. Ava loved getting to color it just for Santa.

Just to clarify, the reason why Ava wants a camera that works is because the battery in the old camera we gave Ava, won't hold a charge anymore. So she doesn't just want a camera, she wants one that will actually take pictures.

I know it's not Thanksgiving anymore, but I just had to post this little activity we did last week. Everyday for the month of Nov, we would all write one thing we were thankful for on a piece of paper. Then we would add that strip to a paper chain. I saw this activity and knew it would be a perfect way to record Ava's thankfuls.

My favorite was "loud noises that wake-up Reid". Lets just say that wasn't on my thankful list.

Thanksgiving 2009

Why does Thanksgiving only happen once a year? I wish there were more opportunities to get together with our family. Well, as long as I'm not the one having to cook the big feast! My stomach gets all tingly inside just picturing myself having to do it.

This year Joe and Ashley hosted the holiday down at their place. Thanks guys for putting up with the whole gang for 5 whole days. We really had a blast, especially Ava. She still can't stop talking about how Maddie is her cousin...and her friend. So cute! By the way, I think we should have Thanksgiving in a warm place every year. Anyone agree? Enjoy the pics. I copped out and did a slideshow. As always, I seem to have a hard time paring down the pics to just a few.

A Little Picture to Munch On

Tonights the night. I'm finally going to sit down and edit my Thanksgiving pics. Meanwhile, enjoy this little morsel while you wait. Geez, those kiddos are so scrumptious!

A Little Thanksgiving Nibble

I couldn't go one more day without posting this adorable video of Ava and my niece taken during Thanksgiving.

For Thanksgiving this year we were able to spend it with Josh's side of the fam. Ava got over her fear of Uncle Joe, Reid showed everyone how he's the cutest baby boy ever, and we were even able to convince John and Shelby to watch all 3 kiddos so we could go on a double date. We all had a lovely time. Especially the tutu wearing girlie who asked to go play at Maddie's house today. More pics to come, but I'm too tired to post anything else. So I guess the pics of our day at the beach will just have to wait. Sorry, I guess I should be more sensitive to those who had temperatures below 70 degrees during Thanksgiving :)