December 26th 2009

We went to Mammy Laura and Papa Ken's house on the day after Christmas because Uncle Chris had to work on Christmas Day. It was really nice of him to make the trip over so we could see him for the holidays!

It was a really relaxing and fun time! Enjoy the pictures!!!

More and More and More Christmas Morning Pictures 2009

We had a very relaxed and calm morning, the kids woke up around 7 and Addy immediately checked out Santa's cookie plate after that we let them see what Santa brought and open their stockings while we waited for G.G., Mammy Laura, and Papa Ken to come over for breakfast. Then we let the girls open the rest of their presents. Maya was ready for a nap at that point so we hung out for a while and watched Christmas Vacation, which is a family tradition. Later in the morning we went to Mammy Debbie and Papa Mike's house (no pictures...forgot the camera) for a gift exchange and stayed there until a little after 1pm, when it was clear that Addy was ready for a nap.

In the afternoon we had everyone over for dinner and had a great time, again, I didn't bring out the camera, but should have:).

Maya "striking a pose".
She was having a great time with all the paper from the presents, it was pretty hard to get her attention for a picture.

Addy and Maya

Maya looking at her presents from her stocking.

Addy learning how to use a yo yo.

Christmas Morning 2009

Addy checking out the cookie plate...she wondered why Santa didn't finish all of the cookies and milk.

Addy didn't realized the footprints right away but when she did she was very concerned about how they would get cleaned up, she even brought it up later that afternoon. I don't know why she worries so much...must be something she gets from Joel:)

Addy opening her presents!

Maya showing us what a big girl she is, she really loves her new toys!

Christmas Eve 2009

Santa's foot prints in our house!!!

Christmas Eve was pretty low-key this year. We went to Auntie Jody and Uncle Mark's house for dinner. Both Addy and Maya had fun playing with their cousins and we had a good time catching up with family that we don't see often enough. Addy was very excited about Santa coming to our house so it was a little difficult for her to get to sleep that night, we left milk and cookies for Santa and tracked him on NORAD (spelling?).

Addy and Maya December 2009

Addy and Maya cuddling and enjoying a show!

Addy and Maya are doing great! Addison is really enjoying preschool and is learning new things everyday, although, the things that she learns from her friends and not her teachers can really test our patience:). She tries to tell us all of the time that she isn't three but that she's five and we find ourselves arguing with her...then we give up realizing we are arguing with a three year old!!!She's a lot of fun to have around and she is such a great big sister. Maya is also learning new things all the time, peek-a-boo and waving hi and bye are a couple of the newest "tricks" she does...not on demand of course :). Maya is getting around a lot more, she crawls from room to room and really has become fascinated with the bathrooms, so the gates have been put back up and we're getting pretty good at hurdling them again.

Christmas Tree Hunt 2009

Today we went to the McLean Road Tree Farm for our Christmas tree. It was a bit cold but the girls loved seeing all of the animals. They had bunnies, llamas, alpacas, sheep, a dog, and ponies (it was a regular dog and pony show:)). Addy really liked helping to choose our tree this year; we finally had to convince her that we didn't want a tree that was only about 2ft. tall. For some reason she really liked the little ones. We ended up with a tree that was about 5 or 6ft. tall , which is a bit smaller than what we normally get but in my opinion it looks like a picture perfect tree and I can't wait to decorate it!

Addy and Maya update...

Addison is growing up so fast, she is no longer our baby or our toddler but now our little girl. She is so sweet and fun to be around, she is stubborn, and honestly I wouldn't have it any other way, she is eager to learn and enjoys it so much, she loves with all of her heart, she cares for all of her family and friends, for one reason, because that is what your supposed to do. Addison We love you and we are so proud of you!

Some of Addy's new skills include writing letters and spelling her name, she is doing better coloring inside the lines which is important to her...she's a perfectionist too, and she can now pick out her own outfits which at times is more of a challenge for me, but we get through it.

From August and September 2009

Maya our sweet little baby is also growing so quickly. Her personality is starting to shine, she is loving and really likes to be around people, she loves to make you laugh by making her cute little sounds and by mimicking what you do like waving, saying ya and shaking her head yes, and clapping. Maya is crawling now, she started in early November, but she doesn't use that new skill all the time she would rather be packed from room to room or be sitting with somebody she loves.

From Fall 09