New Traditions - Christmas #3

Today we went to my parents for brunch and to celebrate Christmas. The last of our 3 Christmas celebrations. Again, it was relaxing.

New Traditions - Christmas #2

Gillian was woken by hearing something, we figure it was Santa....at 5am! Craig and I got up with as much enthusiasm that we could for 5am. I went downstairs to make sure the "coast was clear" and to get cameras ready to catch the first moments.

We were done opening gifts by 6:20 and done putting most things together by 8am. We played with new toys. Grammie and Grampie Miner came to visit and have breakfast with us. Grammie and Grampie Brooks came to visit after lunch. Craig left for work. Gillian and I settled on the couch for a 2 and a half hour nap. Then we were up and making play-doh cakes. It was a nice relaxing day where we had nothing planned. It was fabulous!

New Traditions - Christmas #1

This year Craig and I agreed on new traditions because in years past the Christmas holiday has been an overwhelming day. Last year ended with Gillian and I both crying. So this year rather than doing 3 Christmases in one day we are doing 3 Christmases in 3 days.

Today we went to Craig's parents for Christmas Eve with his family. We had a ham lunch followed by gift opening. It was relaxed and we were able to spend 7 hours there (normally it would be 2-3 hours tops). We were able to put toys together and play with new toys and were able to visit with everyone. The evening ended with a game of Chutes and Ladders that got pretty competitive and everyone there was either playing or watching the game because it was that intense (we aren't competitive people or anything...lol).

Vacation is here!

Vacation is here....let the holidays begin!

Fox Hill

I do see similarities between myself and my daughter. Something about this picture makes me think she looks just like me. This is rarely the case.

Craig, Gillian and I went outside to clean the driveway and play in the snow. She really wanted to go sledding down the hill of snow in the picture above. I asked Craig if he wanted to take her down to fox hill to go sledding. We weren't sure what to expect but we had so much fun together. It was a fabulous evening.

Family Picture

Tree Lighting

Tonight Gillian and I went to a tree lighting. I had never been to one (besides the one in my house every year) so I was intrigued. I didn't know what to expect. I had been told there was no cost but wasn't sure if there would be any sort of fundraiser. We went and it was in a tiny area so it seemed crowded but there were definitely less people than I expected. Tons of food was served, they had tons of beverages. The tree lighting happened on time then we waited in line so Gillian could sit on Santa's lap. Each child was given a goodie bag after talking to Santa. Then we went outside for a horse and carriage ride. We tried singing Christmas Caroles (no one in our carriage knew an entire carole...lol). It was a wonderful evening, Gillian and I had a lot of fun.

Cooking with Grammie

Today Gillian and I went over to my Mom's to finish up the Christmas baking so we could get the baskets out to everyone.

We brought out some Christmas decorations. Zandra was very excited with the Christmas cheerleader.

Picture moment of the girls.

Gillian and Emma were in charge of measuring. Some marshmellows and chocolate chips might not have made it into the fudge.

Another Santa

Christmas Party

For the last 3 years we have taken Gillian to Grampie Miner's company's Christmas party for kids. It has always been enjoyable but every year it gets better and better. This year was very nice. They spread it out more so there were 3 separate rooms so there was plenty of room for everyone. Gillian was very excited to go to the party this year so she could talk to Santa. She went right up there on her own and climbed in the sleigh. They had crafts for the kids to do, food to eat and we could even take a tour of the company. It was tons of fun!

Picnics

Gillian is very much into make believe. It is very fun to play with her. Today I was driving Gillian home and she asked if she could bring some rocks inside. I told her that was fine...she let me know that she was bringing in the rocks to pretend they were ants during her picnic. Seriously she doesn't leave out details even in make believe.

Mickey Mouse

A friend of mine invited Gillian and I to go to the Mickey Mouse Magic Show which I was so excited about. We made it a girls day and I didn't let Gillian know where we were going until we were almost to the destination. We took the girls to lunch and the toy store then off to the show. By the end of the trip, after the traveling and all the excitment we were all definitely beat.