Holiday 2010 Part I

Whew, I'm a little, okay maybe a lot behind on posts right now. Our computer recently decided to stop connecting to the internet and it took several hours on the phone with AT&T tech support (who were by the way not helpful), a new modem, and a new ethernet port in our computer to get us up and running again. So I've tried to combined some of the Christmas posts. Starting us off on a wonderful winter vacation was our good friend Cameo. She had invited us over to decorate gingerbread houses. What fun it was!!

Cami showing Ella and Madelyn how it's done, look at all the sugar on that table, it's a toddler's heaven!

Becky with her sweet girl, Hannah

Ella with her gingerbread house


Miss Kyndall, right by her Mommy's side

Getting it all decorated up

The girls loved decorating and sampling all the candy goodies. We look forward to many more get togethers!



Next up was Christmas with Matt's family. They spent several days at our house this year which was a nice change. We relaxed, played games, and had tons of good food.

Say Cheese!

And a silly one, for good measure!

Grammy opened the canvas piece that Madelyn had painted for them and Grammy is giving her loves

New camera

Great-Grandpa's new artwork from Madelyn

The super cute hat Grammy found for our girl

We spent Christmas Eve relaxing and waiting for Santa's arrival just the three of us and it was wonderful! It was so much fun to see Madelyn's excitement for Christmas this year. She asked so many questions about Santa and his reindeer, we listened to Christmas music in the car, and she was a great helper baking all the cookies and candies.

Sprinkling the reindeer food with Daddy, it's was super cold outside

Our shy girl has really came out of her shell over the last year. I'm so proud of her! However, one person she still won't warm up to is...Santa. Matt took her to see Santa at his YMCA and she sat on his lap only when Matt sat beside her and she wouldn't talk to him. Oh well, I'm over the whole adorable picture with Santa thing. Not to mention, I was out of town when they went to see Santa and I asked Matt to dress her in something cute that matched and brush her hair. Apparently, he didn't hear me and he let her pick out what to wear. So, she showed up in pink plaid capri pants with socks and black tennis shoes and a heavy purple sweater. Yikes, that's why you see the letter to Santa below.

She ate cookies for desert and then at about 7:15 put herself to bed. She shut of the Christmas lights, kissed us goodnight, and climbed in bed. We were a little shocked so we let her sit in bed for about ten minutes and then thankfully she came out of her room to see if we were going to bed soon. Then she decided she could stay up a little longer!

We did a "Christmas Light Express" this year. The idea roughly goes along with The Polar Express which is a favorite of mine. So after getting out the reindeer food and Santa's cookies it was time for bed. When Madelyn folded back her comforter she found a "golden ticket." We hopped in the car and drove around Basehor to see the lights. I was really impressed with how many houses did have lights and watching Madelyn's face was priceless. It the start of a great family tradition.

Our Driver

Hot cocoa completed our tour!

One of our favorite houses

Then we headed to church for the evening service with little ones in their pj's. By the time we got home and to bed it was after 11:00. Madelyn had told me she was nervous to go home because she didn't want Santa to bring her coal, she wanted real presents. This kid has a soft heart and always wants to please us. She deserves a great Christmas! Stay tuned for more!