Christmas 2009!

Christmas Eve:
After we went to our church service, we had fun opening up presents from our Minnesota family. The gasps and chatter that came from both girls as they opened the gifts made it clear that their grandparents, aunts and uncles know them well. Here is Kinsley opening Fancy Nancy, our favorite book character and a fashionista whom Kinsley has been modeling herself after for months. At least a dozen outfit changes a day, thanks Nancy.


Hallie did not disappoint with her wide eyes and excited trembling with each rip of the wrapping paper.

Here is the introduction to her own baby doll. She sleeps with her, takes her in the car and makes it crystal clear that it is "Hawies baby".

Christmas morning:
I can't possibly express how much fun it was to share this time with my kids. The joy, giggles and anticipation made for memories I never want to forget. We stayed overnight at my parents house and with the added attention from them and Sarah and Lane, the girls were in the Christmas spotlight.
Here is Kinsley opening a gift from Santa....

One would assume that Santa would have read customer reviews on this princess castle, but he must have dropped the ball. Kinsley was extremely understanding today when I explained that the elves made a mistake and sent a broken castle. I lost track of how many times Ben had to reattach pieces after the thing toppled over with the slightest touch. This little piece of junk has already been returned and Santa will be sending a new and improved Castle from an entirely different workshop in a couple weeks.

If you know Hallie, you know she is a little jock. As Ben was purchasing the hoop, the salesperson asked how old his son is. It currently resides in our living room in front of the fireplace that is just begging to be shattered.

Christmas day:
Sweet, sweet girls. They are the best of friends..........

until the cousins arrive...then Kinsley disappears with Makena and Hal hangs with us.

Which is fine with me, considering she is the sweetest thing in the world. Have you ever seen a cuter face despite the fact that the right eye almost completely disappears when she smiles?

This picture captures the best part of the day. Me on the floor with my babes, soaking up every second of their youngest years. Just. Having. Fun.

An Elf and a Pickle

Let me introduce you to Scooter, our very own Elf. This has been a funny tradition we began this year that I would highly recommend. Scooter is an Elf on the Shelf and he came with an adorable picture book to explain his mission to the girls. In short, every night he flies to the North Pole to report to Santa how the little ladies are behaving. He finds a spot to watch them throughout the day. Each morning, Kinsley wakes up and hunts for the little guy. Here are some of the places he has turned up.




Here is our Christmas pickle. I am unsure of its purpose or history but in the spirit of having a dozen Christmas traditions, we are going with it. Ben hides the little pickle somewhere on the tree each night and Kinsley promptly searches for it once Scooter has been found. She can barely keep up with all the demands of her morning routine.

Their Resemblance is Uncanny (Minus Hallie)

Thanksgiving in Minnesota:
TAKE ONE:

TAKE TWO:

TAKE THREE (in sweaters hand knit by Ben's mom):

TAKE FOUR:

This pic is just for Uncle Tommy who worked unbelievably hard to win Hallie's heart!