"The Day After"

So, this is the day that they explore the "other" toys that they received. Simply put, the things that mom didn't want opened on Christmas day:( (Such a grinch)

Faith is enjoying her Dap-a-Dot TinkerBell paint set.

And, Dalaina is enjoying her art easel---it comes with magnets to trace with a washable marker set and a chalk board on the other side! It's great:)

Also, for those of you who recall lite brite. There is a new improved one. Yep, that's right--a battery operated, flat screen!!!!! The light automatically turns off after so long:) We are so greatful to our neightbors for this gift! Oh, they were kind enough to buy 2-one for each child:)

...and this is how Dalaina enjoys hers! (all over the floor)

Christmas Day

Christmas morning started with the girls waking us to ask if they can open their presents! Of course we said yes:) Then, I put the Christmas casserole in the oven and let the present opening begin!!!!

...We explained that they had to find the gifts with their letter (F orD) on it! So, Faith did the hunting under the tree.

For me, the best part is the expression on their face when they open something that they wanted:)

The other looks are also great!

.....Then came the stockings!!! ---the pre-breakfast delight:)

...the best gift was the hanging canopy! They took their new sleeping bags, pillows, and a toy and went to rest. Afterall, it was a lot of hard work opening gifts and eating candy all morning!!

Christmas Eve

We drove to Nashville to Opryland to check out the Christmas display. This was the best part of Christmas Eve!! Although it was raining--coming down in sheets ---and it was a 2 hr drive, it was the best part of my day. WHY? you ask-----I'll show you:












PEACE AND QUIET!!!!



Waking them up was not so peaceful--Dalaina is a little grouchy when awakened:(
But, once awake, they were excited to be there and see the lights!

















































And, wow, there were some lights to see!!




There was also a life size nativity scene set up---this was only part of it!

...and several large Christmas trees!





IT WAS GREAT---there was also a massive open space that was perfect for little girls to run around and squeal and squawk as they do:)




After this, we had McDonald's and drove home. The girls were anxious for Santa--so much that they couldn't get to sleep for a while! (could have also been because of the 1hr plus nap!)

Our Angel

Faith enjoys her angel costume:) She wears it no matter what she is doing! Fortunately, it is appropriate to the season right now:)


And, Dalaina, she is just in her own world:)

Almost?!

Well, the girls are super excited for Christmas:) Unfortunately, the concept of time is quite difficult for a 2 and 4 year old:( So, you can imagine how many times they have asked that special question. You can also imagine the number of times and different answers I have provided to that question!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess that's what we get for letting them write out their lists to Santa at the beginning of the month----



They are sort of hard to read--but they are titled My Christmas Wish List. Stay tuned to see if their wishes were granted by the jolly red man.
We will have plenty of pics to post---so stay tuned.




..............and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

They're onto me

They are totally onto me taking a picture and posting it on here! They walk up to me and ask me if I want their picture. Or, they come get me and bring me to their playroom to take a picture of them and whatever they are doing! So, I let them pose for some photos:)

We had fun trying to get all 3 of us in the picture--didn't work out though! Well, we all made it into the photo-however, the expressions was a little tricky!! They are way too silly for trying that:)

That expression is definitely worth a thousand words right there!!!!!!!!!!

We certainly had fun with the camera:) My cheeks hurt from the constant giggles!!

Shows

I have been lucky enough to see two shows this holiday season---and I didn't have to go far! Plus, it was absolutely free:) First, I was treated to the Princess and Ballerina show. Starring, you guessed it, Faith and Dalaina:

The singing was awesome --which made up for the poor plot:) I mean they were belting out songs of praise like you've never heard!!!

She is still polishing up her ballerina skills! No matter, it was still a great, cute show:)

...this is one of those photos that will embarass her in her teen years-I am sure!

After that, I was treated to a puppet show. (could I be so lucky) Mr Frog and Mr Duck and their pond Adventures. And, yes, it was also without a plot. However, it was very cute to watch a 2 yr old and 4 yr old put on a puppet show:)

...introducing Mr Frog

...and Mr Duck (and Dalaina)heeheehee! She couldn't quite stay out of view without taking the duck too!

They even came out for their applause! It truley was a night to remember:)

Prayers

Each night when I put the girls to bed we read the bible and then say our prayers. After Dalaina said her little prayer I asked her who else she wanted to pray for tonight. She said "Jesus" I asked her what she wanted to tell him. She said, "Happy Birthday" and had a smile to go with it:) I just thought that was the sweetest thing!

Our Tree

As soon as we got home from the Smokeys, the girls wanted the tree up! Because I could not handle the constant asking for another day, we put the tree up and let them decorate it. They were very happy and we only lost 2 ornaments on the floor ( we don't have carpet any more--what a mess when they fall! --we'll see how many balls we have left by Christmas day)

...they just had to have the tutu and princess dress on while they decorated:) Why not!?

The finished tree--a nice blend of homemade ornaments , colored lights, and silver & purple balls!

There are also bell lights that play music and blink--the girls love it:)

Smokey Mountains

After our trip to the burgh, we went to the Smokeys for a few days. We stayed at the Preserve resort. This was our cabin-it made the white knuckle drive up the mountain worth it!

FYI -when the fine print states that chains are suggested for tires and there are no refunds--take that as strong advice!

View from the lower floor balcony---what a view!

Stunning scenery-I could just stay there forever:)
A large jacuzzi tub--and a water heater large enough to fill it!!
That was the best bubble bath the girls ever had--- they enjoyed blowing the bubbles around:)

...other interior views

The cabin was great! A great place to go and stay for a few days and get away:) While we were there, we went through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Here are some other photos

Cades Cove

Chainsaw wood carvings

Outside of Ripley's; this 10,000+lbs granite ball sits on 1 inch of water and floats/spins!

This gorilla was outside of an indoor miniature golf place--the girls thought it was cool:)

This village was quaint with great little shops!

Overall, we enjoyed our trip to the Smokeys!