Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was quiet peaceful.  We took our time opening presents and Audrey was the best little elf in giving each person their present and then promptly helping each person open their present.  Which means, yes, she opened almost every present.  Lauren was a little late in the game of opening presents but she got the hang of it before all of the presents were open.  We are so richly Blessed to have so many people that love us so to send us such wonderful and thoughtful gifts.  I am so humbled by everyone's generosity!  
Audrey with the Santa hat.  A requirement if you want to hand out presents.
Steve and Dawn had given the girls books where they recorded themselves reading the story so the kiddos will remember their voices.  From this shot you can see that they are looking for Dawn in the book.  Too cute and wonderfully thoughtful!
Audrey picking out what present to open next...
This is Audrey telling me to stop looking through the camera and look at what she received.
Lauren opening her first present and realizing that there are toys in these wrapped objects under the tree.
Lauren and Audrey working together to unwrap more presents.
All of the presents are open and the chaos is all over our small house.
This Mama is touched by a sweet present.
Bonnie came over later and I got this great shot of her loving on Audrey.
It was time for dress up for the girls.  Here Kris is helping little princess Lauren with her new shoes.
Audrey trying out her new dress up dress.  She loves dress up!
I love little feet...
I love bigger feet too!
Bonnie loving on Lauren.  She was so tired from such a fun filled day!
Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Eve 2010

A lot of people have family traditions that have made it through the test of time and Kris and I are working through our traditions to see if we have some that stick with the girls.  Christmas Eve, to me is a magical evening because there is so much expectation and excitement that I really want to nail down some good traditions that the girls can have and hold on to for their kiddos.  So, below are some pictures highlighting some of the traditions...
The date has arrived!
Being around family...Here are Kris's cousins, Megan and Courtney.  They are just so darn sweet.  I wish we hung out with them more.
Audrey and Lauren being the center of attention.  I remember being silly for anyone that wanted a show...I have to admit, still like that to some degree...it is amazing how we really dont change much!
One old tradition is Kris's family eat meat pie on Christmas Eve.  It a recipe from his Grandmere (his Dad's mom).
Kris reads the Christmas story from the Bible and then we sing Happy Birthday Jesus with a special cake just for Jesus and us!  Yummy!
This is a new one...we open some crackers.  These are so much fun!
Each comes with crowns, jokes, and a toy!  Too much fun... 
BTW, this is Bonnie and her sister Velma. 
Some jokes are really funny!
BTW, this is Megan, Courtney and Kathie (another sister of Bonnie's) 
Kris and this Mama
Christmas Pajama's...I have to make sure they cute for Christmas day pictures.  Hey...a Mama has to do what a Mama has to do for the sake of pictures!
Then my favorite part...Kris playing Christmas songs on his guitar!  Love it!
Everyone enjoying the evening and listening to Kris play and singing if we know the words!
Then Santa comes...Love Christmas Eve! 

Christmas Lights

I know this late, but it is better late than never...Well, about a week ago, we all bundled up to go downtown to check out some Christmas lights.  Downtown Ft Worth is so nice and they do such a great job of lighting the trees.  Well, Kris and I were walking around with the girls appreciating where we live and then Audrey sees a long line of kiddos waiting to see Santa...  She watches the kiddos for a couple of minutes.  Then she looks at Kris and I and says...I think we should wait in line to see Santa Claus.  Kris and I tried to distract her and even tried to bribe her but she would not budge!  She had set her sight on the man in red and she was determined to see Santa.   After about 45 minutes we got to see Santa and I have to say...it was really a great to see her excited to see him.  I think she made the right choice...
Audrey pushing Lauren as we are about to take off to see lights.
This is her pointing at Santa.  I wish I could have got him in the picture but the camera lens does not have a "turn your head to the right" angle.
She was still contemplating going to stand in line or not.  So, while she is waiting I tried to get  in a couple of cute shots.
Beautiful tree.   
Audrey watching Santa while we are waiting.
Lauren watching Santa while we are waiting.
Santa and Audrey...I had asked her what she told Santa and she said that she wanted him to know that she obeyed right away, all the way and with a joyful heart and to let him know there was a big Christmas Tree right behind him.
Then we went to see some more lights.  If you look closely you can see Audrey at the base of the tree.
I really like the effect the lights had on my pictures...
Again...cool lighting.
She was having such an awesome night!  Well, I guess you can say we all were.  What a great time out with the family.  

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Texas Weather...

Only in Texas can we experience beautiful weather like we did today.  Seriously, 85 degrees, sunshine, and Christmas enthusiasm...what could be better?  With so much loveliness outside the girls and I went out and had lunch with Daddy, which is a wonderful treat!  Then Daddy went to work and the girls and I went to the Zoo.  It was such a wonderful day to go and check out some animals.   
Daddy and Lauren.
My family!
Audrey being goofy.
Yes, that is another funny face...
OH yes...there is always more funny faces!
There is the cuteness!  
But...one more for the road! 
Love this shot.  After being at the zoo for awhile.  Audrey was helping Lauren find her way out so we can have some quiet time at home.  Audrey is the best big sister I have ever met!!!  Man, I wish I was more like her...

Christmas Cookies

 I have to share a couple of pictures of my girls helping me with christmas cookies.  It is a Christmas tradition that I have been working on before the girls were born but after 7 years you would think I would have gotten right by now.  But to my shame...nope...not yet!  But I try each year and each year something goes wrong.  I am going to have my friend Edith or Bonnie stand over my shoulder next year to make sure I get it right.  Of course, we pushed through with our deformed cookies, decorated them, and gave them out to friends and family.  I should say that Audrey decorated them all and it was so cute to see and hear her squeal with delight with each cookie completed.  Anyway, as I was telling the story to my Mama and several other people about how the cookies that I am giving them is made with Love and not with skill, Audrey asks me..."are we giving people bad cookies?"  I love her concern for all of those we love.
Audrey patting the cookie dough.  She is very intentional in making sure it is flat for cookie stamping.
Can you see the look of concentration on her face?  Too cute.
I personally love how Lauren's tongue is sticking out.  She had been sneaking bites of cookie dough through the whole process.  
The only time these cookies looked like Christmas Cookies.  
I love tradition and I hope I to have this tradition worked out to a tasty treat each time!