Stocking Time

Stockings have always been a lot of fun to open. Mom and Dad find unique things that make it that way. When Grandma gave the word Mallory tore into her stocking and Miles followed her lead. They enjoyed the different things that were in there. As you can tell from the lack of pictures from Mallory she was way too quick with the opening stocking thing. Miles on the other hand did take the time to digest the contents of his stocking.

Celebration Number One

On Sunday morning we traveled out to Mom and Dad's house to celebrate Christmas. Many years ago we decided that we would celebrate the Sunday before Christmas so we could relax, eat, and enjoy each other's company. It has become a tradition that I look forward to. I love spending time with my family. I know of others who do not enjoy spending time with their family like I do. I guess I can consider myself extremely lucky.

We started with a yummy brunch and then had the timer set to open presents (a deal between anxious Mallory and Grandma). It was funny watching Mallory keep a close eye on the timer. At this point, I think that Miles was beginning to understand what was about to happen. I was very excited to get the picture of both of them under the tree. Miles is beginning to not stay still long enough for pictures (I'm sure you can guess how sad that makes me). Let the fun begin!!!

Happy Birthday...Aunt Bev

Tonight after Mallory and Miles received their special gifts from Aunt Bev we had a special surprise for her. You see, today is her birthday and it is very rare that we get to see her on her special day. We surprised her with cupcakes and ice cream too. We sang Happy Birthday to her and just enjoyed the smile on her face as we sang. She did not waste any time at all blowing out the candles and from there we sat around the visited. Those are the kinds of evenings I like...see people smile...visit....and visit some more. Happy birthday, Aunt Bev! We hope your day was as special as you are to us! The cake was the perfect thing for us before dinner!

A Perfect Heirloom

This evening Aunt Bev stopped by with special presents for Mallory and Miles. For the past two years she has been working on needlepoint stockings for them and tonight she brought them by. They were beautiful and were absolutely perfect. I think that Mallory understood the importance of this gift, but Miles, well...Miles will take a couple of years. The stockings were given in time for Santa Claus to fill them Christmas Eve. They are very special and will be treasured for many years to come. Thank you Aunt Bev!

Mallory's Music Program

On Monday night Mallory had her music program. She was anxious to wear her new skirt, apple sweater, and tights. Before the program I curled her hair under and made sure she looked absolutely adorable...of course she would look adorable even without me doing her hair. The first song was, "Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts". As you can tell from the photo (I cannot thank my friend Peggy enough for there priceless pictures) Mallory was the Christmas cookie. She told me that she was nervous to be in the middle because during the song all of the children point to her. I thought it was cute to hear her talking about this moment.

She was just as much fun to watch this year as last. Every movement is precise and probably where her music teacher had shown her. Although I know she was super nervous to get in front of everyone, she seems to enjoy being up on stage.

Kudos to Mallory's music teacher for her hard work to get this program together for our students to perform and the parents to enjoy. It is a lot of work and it was very much appreciated by me (although I did not get to see the last song Mallory performed due to me having to get my students ready to take the stage). It was a wonderful evening.

Comfy Cozy

On Monday night I caught Mallory and Miles enjoying some cozy time together in our bed. They were watching The Polar Express (surprise...surprise) and waiting for Mallory's music program. It was so cute to see them enjoying each other.

Windmill Wonderland

This evening we went to the Windmill Museum for their annual wonderland spectacular. Although it does not take very long to walk around it, it has become one of my favorite traditions. This year there were SO many lights because a family from a town near us donated the lights they had in their front yard (people came from all over to check their lights out). It was wonderful! Of course Miles was thrilled to see two trains...are you learning that his life revolves around trains yet? Mallory walked with me and was jabbering away (despite having a bad ear infection...she is recovering though). She was fun to talk with.

Unfortunately it started to sprinkle as we were walking around (love that changing winter weather here). I wish it would have been snow because it would have made the lights even more beautiful. It did not damper our spirits though.

We went to the building on the grounds and searched for Santa. Mallory took one look at him and told me he was not the real Santa and that he was just a helper. She was shy when it was her turn but did manage to tell him that she wanted a Barbie. I thought she would talk his ear off but she didn't. She really is happy with surprises and always hopes he will bring her some. As you can tell...there is no picture with Miles on Santa's lap. He cowered very quickly upon seeing Santa and had his hands up my coat for comfort (I know that probably sounds strange). Santa gave Mallory and Miles both a treat bag and boy oh boy was Mallory excited with the contents! She quickly told me about the coloring book and crayons that were inside...with many other things.

From there we joined Ryan (he was caught talking with a friend about the recent celebrity in our area). Mallory ordered her usual hot chocolate with a cookie of her choice, and Miles went over to get a small box of popcorn with a water. Our trip to the museum, with snacks and drinks, was only $8.50! Talk about a cheap night out!!! About halfway through the box of popcorm (he had some help) I asked Miles if he would like to go back to see Santa and he told me he would. We went back and stood in line while Miles got up the nerve to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas. Mallory kept asking him if he wanted to go up with her and he pointed to me and said, "I want you!" I knew, as you probably do now, how things were going to happen. I tried to get Miles as close to Santa as I could. I tried to get Miles to tell Santa what he wanted and Miles said to me, "No, you!" When I saw that I was not going to get anywhere we (really I) said good-bye to Santa and we were off. I will give Miles credit because he did not cry. Go little man!!!

On our way out there was a waving Santa light and many...many...many luminaries along the road. The volunteers who put in so many hours to make these two weekends so special really should feel proud of their accomplishment. This wonderland event was definitely the best one yet...I cannot wait for next year!!!