Merry Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! The only thing that was missing was a nice white snow. I haven't updated the blog in a while so I am going to try to cram everything into this one post.

Hailey was able to help decorate the tree this year (ok, so she just got into everything while we put the decorations on - but she was there!) Ashley really enjoys decorating the tree - of course she figured out those candy canes are actually really candy this year. They all stayed on the tree though - I was amazed! As much as I like taking the girls and picking out a tree every year, I am tempted to just buy a tree. It seems like so much less hassle....will ponder that thought for awhile.

This was an attempt to take a picture of both of them in front of the tree - didn't work so well.

Ashley and Hailey had a little Christmas party at Juella's so they got a little dressed up. Ashley was very excited to take presents and hand them out. She was even more excited to walk in and see a big present for herself as well. The girls had a great time, lots of snacks and presents!

Cookie decorating was super fun! I am happy to report that there was more decorating then licking the icing this year as well! Of course once they were decorated, game on! On Christmas eve Ashley made sure that Santa had a plate of cookies and plenty of milk - he really appreciated that!

Ashley has started sticking her tongue out every time she is concentrating!

Christmas morning was fun. Hailey was up first (after Larry who thought it would be good to get up and get the coffee going - thank you Larry!) we all went in to wake Ashley up. She wasn't thrilled about that until Larry reminded her that Santa might have come last night. Then is was a race to get down the stairs! Ashley was so excited to see everything she just started yelling, which of course then Hailey had to join in as well. Ashley found a present from Santa first off and ripped right into it. We then had to take control otherwise she was going to open every ones in a matter of seconds! Hailey was confused, she would open a couple then wonder around, look at Ashley's stuff and then sit with me for awhile. It was all great fun!

Ashley riping into her first gift

Hailey on her ATV

Ashley found her dollhouse

Hailey was happy to try on a new jacket

Santa was good to all of us this year and we are so very thankful, especially in a time where so many are not as fortunate! We are thankful everyday for the blessings we have.

I told Larry that he gave me a "grandma" Christmas. He got me a sewing machine as I am going to venture how to sew and hopefully one day may make a quilt! Then he got me some slippers and an iron(inside joke) - so I told him I feel like a grandma with these gifts! Luckily Nana got me an ipod so I feel a little less old =)

We started a new tradition this year. For Christmas dinner instead of doing ham or turkey we are doing seafood. It's a little way to think about where Larry is from, and it's a little more exciting. Larry ordered lobster, clams, scallops and some picked crab - it was delivered 2 days before Christmas. Larry took the lobsters out on the kitchen floor for the girls to see - they moved around and scared Hailey but Ashley thought it was cool. I had to remind Larry that we can't get to attached, last time that happened I couldn't eat them because I gave them all names after their long trip from Maine!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and here is to an even better New Year!!

Santa Drives a White Truck

Last night I was putting Ashley to bed and of course there were ten million more things she wanted to say before she shut her eyes. She has been VERY excited about Santa this year. She cannot wait until she gets her blue bracelet! I was informed last night that Santa is going to wrap in in green wrapping paper with a big red bow and then she is going to open it very fast! So glad she's not into details at all!! She let me know that Santa was not going to come thru our fireplace because we have glass on ours. So I told her he is magic - oh no she was not buying that. I was told that in fact he is going to drive into our garage - at first he had a little car that would fit and then she thought of all the presents he is bringing. Santa drives a big white truck just like daddy and he is going to drive up to our garage and come in that way! Whew!! So glad she isn't worried!

Ashleys Holiday Party

Ashley's preschool class had a little holiday party this past week. Of course I am running out the door and forget the camera - duh!! Ashley was so excited to have me come sit with her in her class. They had some snacks and decorated some cookies. The best part was when they all lined up and sang!!! She yells out "Mommy come up front!" It was so cute - they sang Jingle bells with there little bells and then did Santa Claus is coming to town - with all the hand gestures. I was so proud - that is the cutest thing to see little kids sing - but when it's one of your own it is even better!!

Here We Go....

For a long time little Miss Hailey hasn't not spoken a word. Why does she need too - We do everything for her. Ashley is a great big sister and caters to all her needs! Well finally the words have started. You have to listen closely because she isn't loud about it at all. Here are her new words:

Dada - of course has said this for months now - very happy when Larry gets home.
Momma - only when she wants to get up in the morning and says it clear as day!
Phone - when the phone rings she points to the phone and let's us know what it is
Ginky!! - when trying to find her Binky (usually because she has hidden it somewhere)
Look at Me - said this last night when she got her pj's on and wanted to show Larry
Hot! - Every time I make dinner she looks at the stove and says Hot
Jacket - She loves to put her jackets on
Shoes - She's a girl - of course she loves her shoes!
Ouch - when she gets a small hurt
Diego!! - When Go Diego Go comes on
Kitty - when the cat comes by and she is about ready to attack her! (poor Sam!)
Doggie - Anytime she see a dog - in books or anywhere

Every once in a while she will copy exactly what you say too. She is about to give Ashley a little competition for the talking time!