Christmas Eve Photo Attempt

I am not a photographer as  you can tell from the photos below.  However, as you can see, I also do not have the most cooperative two year old subject. 

Ella insisted on wearing her sunglasses.  Not a bad picture, but I wish they were closer together (touching maybe) and I could live without the sunglasses. 

Hug.... 

Ella is actually looking at the camera, but refusing to smile.
Abby looks picture perfect. 

Ummmmm.... no and no. 

Another failed attempt. 

And seriously folks, this is what I got.

Go Me....

I have been husbandless for a full week (minus the 16 hour whirlwind "visit" that was mostly spent sleeping).  That is a long time.  I am mostly used to it, as a pilot's wife, you have to be.  With the new job he was gone for six weeks while training on the new plane.   However, since that training he has only been gone a handful of days due to an unusually quiet schedule.  Not this week.

As a result, this week seemed long after having him home for such a long stretch.  Perhaps it was because it was the week before Christmas Break or because both kiddos were recovering from some sort of illness or because I have a gazillion and twelve things to do like finish my shopping and wrap presents while managing a full-time job and two kiddos.

One of the the to-dos on my list was to take the girls to go see Santa.  I wanted to squeeze it in over the weekend because this up and coming week is busy, busy, busy too.  So, on Saturday I dressed and bathed both the girls, dressed them in holiday finerary, and trudged to the outdoor mall.  Ever the planner, I assumed there would be no line because by now EVERYONE should have already visited Santa.  I mean, Santa has been in the malls since Thanksgiving week.  Surely, everyone who was going to visit the big man must have already done so.  Wrong.  Dead wrong.

So, after all my holiday primping and prepping, we waited in the outdoor line for precisely 10 minutes.  During those ten minutes I was formulating a plan to get my two year old to agree to leave the line and return another day.  She happily agreed.  Thank YOU, Ella, because I believe we would still be in that line waiting.

Along the same lines, today we made it to church.  I dressed them in their same holiday outfits and let me tell you, we were actually on time.  This is a first.  Is it just a coincidence that I managed to dress them, and get them out of the house husbandless?  You decide.

Awww... Sisters

Wearing a headband... a holiday miracle

I love this dress, and Abby, of course. 

My First Homemade Ornament

Without a doubt, my favorite ornament on our tree

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

     I am sorry I was terrified while sitting on your lap.  You have to understand, I rarely am thrust onto the lap of a stranger and I was a little bit nervous.  After all, you are also famous.  I recognize you from my many books and the decorations my mommy has displayed around the house.  You did notice that I did not cry, right?  Yes, I whined, but that was all.  Mommy and daddy actually thought the visit was a success, but I wanted to double check with you because it is you that decides whether I am naughty or nice.

   Speaking of naughty or nice, you did watch me while we ate at Red Robin?  I was SO good.  Mommy and daddy actually said it was our most successful dinner out yet.  You saw that, right?  And you did notice that after I got off your lap, I was very friendly and happy to be near you, right?  You saw me wave to you?  And did you get the kiss I blew you?  I hope you heard me say, "Ho, ho, ho."  I said it with a lot of gusto, but the mall was quite loud.

  Also, thank you very much for the candy cane.  I did not even pitch a fit when it was taken away from me, even though I figured out it was a treat.  I was a very good girl.  I hope you agree.

xoxoxo,
Ella

Too Cute to Pass Up

So, I am one of the few people who actually *LOVE* all things Christmas, even in October.  In fact, it might be because of me that holiday decor is already in the stores.  Already I am thisclose to ordering outdoor sconces to flank the garage (I already contacted customer service with my questions),  have  scoured the Christmas card designs on Shutterfly, and have bought Ella a Christmas dress.  It was just too cute to pass up!