Lilly Sings

We finally replaced our camera so we can record video again! Hooray for finally being able to document Lilly's childhood (maybe we won't have to pay for as many years of therapy as we thought). Here's a few of her singing in the car yesterday.

Meet Bessie

The newest member of our family. After 6 years of marriage we finally have another vehicle! It's dark green and it's a wagon so it has a fold down seat in the back. It's old and cheap and has a million miles but we paid cash (Dave Ramsey would be so proud) so we're not out too much if it only lasts a year (which is all we need it to). Anyway, it actually has some great features like heated seats, power windows, sunroof, and all wheel drive so we're pleased. The girls like it too. Welcome Bessie.

Christmas Things

Here's a few of our latest and greatest Christmas activities in no particular order. Yesterday we had a great time at the Ivins Christmas party. We love a visit from Santa any day of the week. Sophia of course was nervous and hesitant about going up but I told her I'd carry her and stay by her. Once she got up there she sat in his lap, gave him a huge hug, and snuggled right into his beard. It was actually pretty cute and we were quite surprised (and impressed). I think Santa appreciated a hug for all his efforts too.
Here's Lilly with her new baby doll a.k.a. glowworm from Santa.

Doesn't it look just like her?

Sophia got some new Pet Shops that she was pretty excited about.

Lilly did pretty good with Santa. She was more excited about the gift than the man.

This is one of my sweet nieces that was attacked by an armoire a few days before. She looked a little beat up but we were happy to see her there and are so glad she's okay!

Grandpa Wilkins got to be Santa's helper elf Harvey. He did a pretty good job.

Sophia enthused about the party.

Lilly looking a little more enthused.

The night before we went to the lights with two of my brother's and their families. Lilly was completely exhausted by the time we got home.

We got their a little late and some of the lights had already been turned off. At least the reflecting pool was still going strong.

I don't remember this from year's past and thought it was gorgeous.

This one is for Doug's mom. (sorry about my face. It just looks that way sometimes).

Doug's does too. (JK)

All bundled up and getting ready to climb into the stroller.

Does this scene look familiar? ("Can't put my arms down") She really couldn't

We also decorated a gingerbread house last week. Those are some pretty happy gingerbread men. Great smiles.

Another view.Here's a close-up of Doug's gazerbeam gingerbread man and "tree" he created for the front yard.

I also took Sophia to see the Nutcracker last night at the high school. They did a really good job. I was quite impressed. She enjoyed it too. My favorite is still the bon bons that come out of the lady's skirt. They even had a the growing tree too. It was great!

Happy Birthday Beanie!

Before Doug's birthday comes and goes (Tuesday) I better hurry and write about Lilly's. She turned 2 on the 4th and we had a great day with her. A few days after we celebrated at Grandma Wilkins' with the rest of the December birthdays. She recently started doing a "treat walk" where the kids get to march around in a circle and land on a number and then if their number is chosen they get to pick a treat from the basket. The kids love it (so do the adults) and we always have a great time.
Here's Doug and Lilly waiting in anticipation to see if they're on the lucky number!

On her actual day she woke up to ballons, chocolate raisins and a few toys.

Sophia spent the whole week leading up to her birthday wrapping this gift for her. It was an old stuffed cat piled with bits and bits of paper. It's sort of her version of tissue paper in a bag. She seriously would lock herself in her room for hours and rip up paper to put in the bag. I love her attention to detail.

Opening presents with the bed head.

Happy Birthday Lilly!