Christmas Eve at Grammy and Papa's House

We had a great time celebrating Christmas Eve at Grammy and Papa's house this year.  We enjoyed a great dinner, and then it was time to open presents! Carson and Ella both enjoyed being little elves. this year.  Sarita had the FABULOUS idea to wrap a bunch of small presents for the kids to open while everyone else opened their presents.  In the past, Carson would open all of his gifts very quickly and become restless while others were opening their gifts.  It took them a long time to open all of those gifts, and they did enjoy playing with each one of them.  Toward the end of our time, Santa paid his yearly visit through the neighborhood on the fire engine.  We had a fabulous time and were blessed with many gifts.

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas is ALMOST Here...and it's Time for a Little Decorating and Cookie Baking

Hollywild 2009

Ella at 34 Months

• Currently has a fever and NOT much of an appetite
• FINALLY sat in Santa's lap without screaming the entire time
• Performed for the first time "on stage" in front of an audience TODAY
• Had some of her brother's same mannerisms on the stage
• LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Ms. Ashley
• Is potty-trained...Yay!
• Is ready for a visit from Santa
• Listed babies, candy, and games on her wish list to Santa
• Is the sweetest little "cuddle bug" ever
• Imitates anything her big brother does
• LOVES chocolate 
• Had Hershey Kisses as a reward for going to potty... always got two... one for her and one for Bruder
• Has enjoyed having Zoby in our house
• Loves hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree
• Insists that I do EVERYTHING for her in the mornings (getting her dressed, her teeth brushed, her shoes on, her coat on)... This previously was Daddy's duty!
• Gets really upset at a stern look... usually that's all it takes to change her behavior
• Was much much much easier to potty train than her big brother
• STILL loves her paci
• Puts her fingers in her mouth when she gets nervous
• Is very possessive of items and her mommy
• Doesn't like to share her mommy with Carson :(
• Continues to be a sweet girl at school
• Knows about three different blessings 
  
• LOVES to draw, but only draws a little on page after page after page
• Still gets red and green confused
• Loves to sing
• Makes my heart melt more and more every single day
  

IFBCDC Christmas Program 2009...

Storytime with Santa

This was our second annual Storytime with Santa.  Oh, what a difference one year brings with it.  Ella FINALLY sat in Santa's lap and didn't cry the entire time.  She was very nervous... nervous being with both hands in her mouth and a small whine sneaking out between the fingers.  A few tears were shed... that is until Santa magical voice soothed her.  After a few short moments with the guy in the red suit, Carson and Ella both chose a book and it was off to milk and cookies.  Carson and Ella both colored pictures while enjoying their milk and cookies.  We then concluded our night with listening to a few stories in our media center.  Of course, no night could be complete with a newly potty trained little girl, without a visit to a NEW bathroom!