Merry Christmas!!

So many of you may be wondering how I am already putting up a post at 11:30 am.  Well, when you have been up since before the sun, it's pretty easy.  We have unwrapped, eaten, played, played and played some more, filled a few trash bags and gone back to playing. Molly is certainly enjoying her first Christmas and new toys.  She has even passed out she's so tired from the excitement.  The rest of us are still going strong around here and having the best time.  
Lily Grace was up at 6:00 am and squeals filled the living room as she made the corner.  Christmas has been absolutely magical this year with a 5 year old.  Lily Grace's excitement has completely filled our home.  To hear her get excited about our visiting elf, predicting what Santa might bring or talking about the birth of Jesus, it has just been so special and wonderful.  We are so blessed.  I could go on and on, but who am I kidding?  I know you just want to see pictures of Lily Grace so.... from our home to yours, Merry Christmas and may the joy that comes from the true spirit of the season be yours today and all throughout the new year.  
Merry Christmas!!!  

Christmas Eve breakfast at the Peabody

Lily Grace with the Duck Master

Spreading her reindeer hay from one end of the yard to the other.  This year she declared that she was big girl enough to do it herself.  

We made cowboy cookies for Santa.

Priceless first looks at goodies left by Santa 

A telescope was one of her big wishes this year.

Her very own camera, in pink of course!

Her double stick tape from Santa was a big hit.

She named her cat Pearl and her American Girl doll, LG.  She's a just like me doll so of course he name should be LG.

One of our favorite gifts

We are so proud to have our first "school gift."

New pink cowgirl boots

Her first real purse

Molly enjoying her Christmas goodies

Two cute, funny and happy girls

I see many shows in our future

Once cleaned up where we could move about, Matt and I got quite the performance.  And yes, her daddy rigged her a guitar strap until we can go and get her one.  Only at our house would climbing rope serve as a meg shift guitar strap.  Oh! And no, we've never been climbing. ??

Cold, Icy Fun!

Today we met friends at the zoo for ice skating.  We had a great time and Matt kept us all up off the ice.  Thanks Matt!

After fun at the rink, we warmed up in the cabin, took a peek at the grizzlies and wolves and then we were off to lunch.  

It was a great way to spend the day and I'm pretty sure that Lily Grace and Mia will sleep quite well tonight. 

All set to go and just plain CUTE!!!!

Two cute girls ready to skate

Matt took a turn holding all of us up today.

Warming up by the far after a fun but cold time skating

Here's something you rarely see, just Matt and Me.(We don't look nearly as good without Gracie in the middle.)  Lily Grace snapped this picture of us.

Festive Friends

Lily Grace adores Beckett and in her eyes, I think he will always be ,"Baby" Beckett.

Such sweet friends

Mrs. Misty's dessert this year, Melted Snowmen- sooo cute!

Dress up involved- of course!

Lily Grace received this book she has been hoping for from Elliot.

This year's craft was a reindeer canvas made with foot and handprints. Such a cute keepsake!

Today we had friends over for our annual Christmas get together.  We enjoyed lots of play, a craft, a book exchange and as always, some yummy food.  We have been doing this since the kids were two and it's become quite special to all of us.  Watching them grow together is so special and calling them all friends is a blessing.  

Twirls of Pink

This past Saturday was Parent Observation week at dance.  Matt and I were invited in to watch Lily Grace's ballet class and to get a glimpse into all she is doing and learning.  It was absolutely adorable.  Her little face just beams and she appears to enjoy every second of it.  Matt and I had the best time watching her class and Lily Grace do something that brings her such joy.  

Happy BIrthday Molly!

You can imagine how much fun clean up is.  Lord, please let the sun come out.   Needless to say, Molly enjoys it much, much more than we do.  

Click on the picture to get a better appreciation for her messy fun!

Well, we have made it!  We have made it through the first year.  Anyone who has owned a dog knows how many changes and phases a puppy goes through.  Whew!!  Molly celebrates her first birthday today.  That fluffy ball of fur who at just 9 weeks old melted our hearts has grown into 50+lbs of fun cuteness.  
Molly has more personality than any dog I have ever been around.  She is so animated and funny.  
Molly's had quite the perfect birthday.  Our Christmas elf Bob left her a birthday surprise this morning which tickled Lily Grace and it rained.  Rain you may be thinking, how does that make for a perfect birthday?  Well, rain makes MUD!!  That's right our cute light haired fluffy girl who graces the front of our Christmas card, can't resist it.  She loves to dig and run in it.  The minute we let her out, you can bet she is going to find some mud. (just gotta love a yard that retains water for your inside dog to take advantage of outside)  Thank goodness we have a large back yard because she makes use of every inch of it and oh yes, it's more opportunity to get a little dirty.  We never just let her do it, but she is a sneaky one.  She's quite proud of herself as you can see.  I mean come on, she posed for a picture wearing the evidence.  Oh! Miss Molly, you are a mess- literally!  Happy Birthday!

Christmas Singing and Dancing

On their way to their first Daddy-Daughter Dance

School Christmas Prgram

Last weekend, Lily Grace and Matt attended their first Daddy-Daughter Dance, held by Lily Grace's school.  The two of them had been looking forward to it.  Lily Grace was so excited and Matt was one proud daddy.  After getting all dressed up, they met friends for dinner and then danced the night away.  Matt sent me a short video (gotta love iPhone) about 30 minutes in to the dance and I couldn't decide who was having more fun, him or Lily Grace. 
The performing continued yesterday as Lily Grace's school put on their Christmas program.  They all looked so cute and Lily Grace did a great job with her speaking part.  Matt and I sat in disbelief that Kindergarten is half over.  What wonderful memories we are making along the way. 

Nutcracker Ballet 2011

Tonight we made our annual trip downtown for the Nutcracker Ballet.  Lily Grace of course was beside herself with excitement.  She even ran into a friend this year.
As always, the performance was beautiful and entertaining and made even more special this year by the accompaniment of the orchestra.  
Lily Grace went pretty conservative with this years Nutcracker selection as opposed to the glitter and sequins of years past.  

Christmas Excitement!

We've been busy decorating for Christmas around here and Lily Grace has been doing her own decorating.  This year she go to have her own Christmas tree in her room, complete with pink lights of course.  She also chose all of the ornaments.  It's really cute.  
We have our family tree  up as well and presents wrapped and tucked nicely under it.  I am happy to report since many of you have inquired, that yes, the tree and presents are surviving Molly.  She did take a little bite of a branch when we first put it up and that has been her last.  Hopefully it's out of her system and I haven't given her premature credit here. Ha!
This morning we enjoyed Breakfast with Santa.  Lily Grace was so excited and the look on her face each time Santa was near her was just precious!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The shirt says it all!

Thanks be to our Heavenly Father for all the blessings that we enjoy, often take for granted and cherish.  
Peace be yours today and always!  Happy Thanksgiving!