Christmas 2014

So now that Valentine's Day is over it's only appropriate that I post pictures from Christmas, right?!? We had so much fun with the girls this Christmas. They were both so excited about decorating the tree, singing Christmas songs, reading Bible verses from an Advent paper chain every day in December, wrapping presents, opening presents and spending time with family. It is so much fun to see the awe and wonder in your children's eyes at Christmas. This year we had several Christmas celebrations. Ellis was in her first Christmas program at school and it went pretty much as expected. She stood on stage, didn't sing a note (despite the fact that she's still singing all the songs at home in February), and once she spotted us she proceeded to make silly faces and stick her tongue out the entire time! Oh well, she has several years of school programs in her future, so for the first one we'll count it as a success!

The weekend before Christmas my parents stopped through on their way to Iowa. They got the girls a red rider wagon and it was definitely a hit! We spent Christmas Eve & Christmas day at home, just the four of us. Then the weekend after Christmas we went to Kansas City to spend time with Matt's family. We enjoyed wonderful food (thanks to Adrienned & Mike for being such great hosts!) and lots of family time. On Friday night we had Christmas dinner with the Goerings, Rob & Kaye, Great Grandma Boore and Steve. On Saturday we did a little swimming at the hotel pool and that afternoon the adult girls headed to IKEA while the guys watched the kiddos. IKEA was massive and a great experience! That evening we bundled up and headed down to the Plaza to see the lights. Sunday we went to church, listened to Mike preach and all ate lunch together before heading home. Overall we had a great Christmas. I only wish that I would've taken a few more family pictures (us four, girls with grandparents, whole family shots, etc) but I've decided with two this little it's hard to man the camera when schedules are off, naps have been missed and presents are involved! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas too!

Our Christmas Card announcing Baby #3

Ellis at her program. She was so lucky that MiMi, Poppa, Uncle Brandon & Mariah 

came to watch her!

Nora running around before Ellis' program

Matt & I ready for an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" Party

Ellis wanted a "pretty" bow like mommy. It's definitely cuter on her!

Decorating the tree!

Putting on her ornaments!

Nora's helping too!

Getting ready to open Christmas Eve Jammies!

First thing Christmas morning. Ellis had been up for a while 

but poor Nora had just gotten out of bed!

Before opening presents on Christmas day

Family picture at Adrienne & Mike's

Great Grandma with 4 of her great grands!

Someone was a little sleepy

She was a water bug!

Everyone loved swimming!

Out to eat on the Plaza

I think she stayed warm!

At lunch on Sunday