As we say goodbye to 2012, I'm looking forward to a new year; a new year of challenges, of joys, of laughter, of tears (good ones, I hope and pray), of time spent with family and friends. 2012 was a good one for us and I'm hoping for a lucky 2013! We are celebrating at the beach for our (seems to be) annual New Years tradition. As the girls are taking their baths getting ready to put on their pjs and drink hot cocoa, I can only vision many, many moments like this as each new year comes and goes. Happy New Years Everyone!
We went to the Charleston Aquarium today. The girls love it there and it was so much fun because it wasn't crowded at all. I couldn't believe it. We stayed over 2 hours because it was so easy to get around.
Allie-Ann pushing lil' sis in the stroller. One of her many things she loves to do for her sister. Allie-Ann is really a great big sister, she really is.
This is how Allie-Ann likes to look at the fish...
So this little carriage house in downtown Charleston is where my in-laws used to live. So adorable and I can't imagine what this little house cost now.
The girls received a cottage playhouse for Christmas and it's been sitting in our house since Christmas because of the weather, we finally were able to get outside today to put it together. Allie-Ann and Belle must have played in it for an hour. Belle kept opening and closing the door and Allie-Ann would call people on the play phone. It was too cute. I have plans to plant flowers in front of the house and make a walkway leading to it. Thanks John, Betsy and Margo for this precious gift that I know the girls will enjoy for many years to come.
I had to check out their new digs
Of course the box the house came in provided just as much entertainment for the girls. Daddy and Allie-Ann made it into a submarine. Take notice of the periscope.
What a blessed Christmas we have had! Allie-Ann and Belle are so loved and we are so grateful for our wonderful families. Here are a few pictures to share of our Christmas.
Waking up to find her stocking in her room
Heading down the stairs to see what 'Ol Santa left
Just what she wanted....a stuffed Rudolph (thanks Walgreens for saving me on Christmas Eve with this one).
Belle checking out her toys
Allie-Ann received a Leappad 2 from Santa. I debated this gift but after lots of research, we went with it and she took right to it. We have already put regulations on when she can play with it (traveling and quiet time).
Belle loves her music, Santa found this neat trumpet/flute at a toy store in Charlotte, it comes with many parts that she can put together to make it twisted...pretty cool.
Kampa and B got the granddaughters a rocking horse...they loved it!
Grammy got Belle her own rocking horse...I think she was slightly frightened by it but I believe that will change real soon.
Aunt Betsy, Uncle John and Cousin Margo got the girls a cottage playhouse. I can't wait to put it together to see them have fun for years to come.
Allie-Ann leaping into Cousin Holly on Christmas Eve.
Margo helping Belle open her present
These boot were a gift for Allie-Ann but Belle fell in love with them. She didn't want me to take them off her.
Snacks and letter to Santa. Allie-Ann seriously made the chocolate chip cookies for Santa. She's watched me so much that I just let her do it. They were clumped together but hey, they were good!
Santa gifts for the girls...Santa just fell in love with this bear to give to Belle. It is the softest bear ever.
December 20, 2012
Day 20: Go to the River to see the Lights
December 21, 2012
Day 21: Make Sugar Cookies
Any day of the week.....find a lizard in your house.
We are heading out of town, so it might be a while till I post again but we all hope you have a wonderful Christmas! May God bless your families and bring you peace!
Today Allie-Ann had her Christmas preschool party, which was fun but at the same time very sad for us (more about that later). She enjoyed doing crafts, listening to a Christmas story and eating tons of sweets and treats. It was wild but a lot of fun. I sometimes wish I could teach the little ones, they are so much fun and you never know what they are going to say. We are excited that daddy will be home with us for a couple weeks. Wahoo! I'm so looking forward to having an extra hand with the girls. Last night I finished wrapping my final present and Allie-Ann and me spent some time writing to Santa. Of course, I don't know why I do this because we have gotten all of her gifts and in her letter are things we didn't get. Oh well...maybe next year. If I asked her to do this again, I'm sure there would be different things she would ask for. One thing she has told me that hasn't changed is new markers. I think we can handle that. Here are some pictures from the party today.
December 18, 2012
Day 18: Write Santa a letter
December 19, 2012
Day 19: Preschool Christmas Party
Jackie, one of my dear friends made a Pin the Nose on Rudolph game. It was so cute!
Allie-Ann reading with her teacher!
Jackson came over to listen too.
Allie-Ann with her dear friend, Charlotte! Ignore Allie-Ann looking away, she kept her eyes on the treats that her teachers were passing out. I guess she didn't want her teacher to forget about her.
