Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas! Both days were spent with family - starting Christmas Eve with Greg's birthday lunch at P.F. Chang's. Later, we dropped Merilyn off at Gramma's {It was a late night and we knew she wouldn't last!}, and headed to Jamie and Kurt's for a fabulous dinner, Guitar Hero, and lots of laughter!

Travis and Ross jam out to Guitar Hero! Ross is an old pro!

After dinner, we spent the night at my mom's. On Christmas morning Ali could hardly believe that Santa knew exactly what she wanted! Merilyn was more interested in the paper than what was in the paper, and half-way through the morning she was ready for a nap!

And to top it all off, it was a white Christmas! It was beautiful and the girls were so excited. It was a great time with family and loved ones.

Merry Christmas to you!

Sleep Over

Alison's best friend - and cousin - Natalie came to spend the night with her. They were very busy! They spread hundreds of books all over the upstairs, were chased by "monsters" {Daddy & Merilyn}, watched Frosty the Snowman, and made cookies for Santa. After their bath we read books and turned out the lights. {Although, I can still hear them in there whispering & giggling...} I am so thankful that Ali and NJ are so close... in age and location. They are lucky to have such a special relationship!

Another Performance

Alison had her dance class performance/open house today. We put red and green ribbons in her hair to get in the spirit! Both grandmas came to watch, and again, Merilyn wanted desperately to be a part of the show!

Christmas Program

Alison had her pre-school Christmas program last Thursday. All of the kids were adorable and they sang their little hearts out. Merilyn wanted to be a part of the whole performance... clapping, dancing, and singing along the whole time.

Christmas Cards

After we met Santa it was time to get started on our Christmas cards. TJ is going to pick up the pictures from Costco, and hopefully we'll be able to get them in the mail this week!

Meeting Santa

Yesterday we took the girls to see Santa. Merilyn could hardly wait to get to the big guy, but when it was actually her turn, she wanted nothing to do with him! She immediately started crying and trying to get away. We sat her down next to him, and that seemed to be okay. {She wasn't interested in smiling, however!}

Decorating the Tree

TJ and the girls got the tree this weekend and put it up in the front room. Tonight, the girls and I got out the ornaments and hung them up. Alison was thrilled to help this year. Merilyn tried to help... by pulling the ornaments off and causing her sister great anguish!

A Tough Job

TJ and I tried to get a Christmas card picture with the girls in their dresses. It was hard work! It was nearly impossible to get Merilyn interested in standing still - and smiling - at the same time. By the time we started getting giggles from her, Ali was done with the whole process. Maybe next year...