Elf on the Shelf 2011 (First Year)

 Meet Peppermint, our Elf on the Shelf.  After Thanksgiving she appears and moves to another interesting elvin adventure every day.  While at first I was skeptical about adopting such an elf that had absolutely nothing to do with Christ, the kids excitement of seeing her "move" every day became endearing.  If she is touched, she won't move.  As you can see, Peppermint spent her first week with us getting to know our family through our pictures.  Later, the girls were making her pine soup and writing her notes!  Further, what a fun way for Leia to participate in "the magic" when it will (inevitably) end.

Trimming the Christmas Tree 2011

It would NOT be a tree trimming without "pine soup" and the "kitty trees" ... and all of our special ornaments (the ribbon curl around Leia's newborn finger, the "chipmunk cheek bunny," and Annie's new favorite, ... a bird. 

Shoal Creek Tree Farm 2011

 The highlight?  ... riding in the truck bed.  ; )

Roper Mountain Lights 2011

Best Santa of the Year (at the Zoo Lights)!

Look at this absolutely WONDERFUL Santa Claus at the Riverbanks Zoo Lights!  And he came without pressure to buy a picture, too!  LOVE!  At nine years old, Leia is getting to the point where she assesses every Santa she sees as to whether he is the "real" Santa or whether he is a "helper."  Leia was SO disappointed this year to find that ALL the Santas we saw were helpers.  ; )  However, when Leia saw THIS Santa, she became VERY excited.  Down the line she kept repeating, "Mamma, ... Mamma! .... I think that's the real Santa!  I think he's REAL!"  She was SO excited.  Then immediately afterwards I asked her about her thoughts and she replied,  "**sigh** No, Mamma, it wasn't the real Santa.  He looked right, but his voice was wrong."  ; )  I feel profoundly blessed that Leia is still a true believer at nine years old.  Any year now, ... any year.  ; )

Zoo Lights 2011

 I absolutely ADORE this picture during the "snow" at the entrance of the Zoo Lights at Riverbanks Zoo!!!  You can see the white flakes falling in the background and how happy the girls are to be dancing and spinning with their mamma within it.  This year's zoo lights had a "birdie" focus.  Annie wanted to take a picture by every lighted bird, ... and then ride the bird on the carousel.  Annie and Leia were each allowed to choose one thing they could do that cost extra money.  Annie chose the carousel (of course), and Leia chose the rock wall.  (And there she is at the TOP! [Gasp!])  The other favorite activity of the day was the aquarium part of the zoo, ... and I was especially excited about the video camera that allowed you to see the children from a fish's perspective!

It Wouldn't Be a Trip to Grandpa without the Wheelbarrow & the Vespa

In Thanksgiving for Family

 It's always a special holiday when Brian's entire side of the family gets together.  So here is our family with Grandma and Grandpa.  Below is a picture of Joe, Dob, and John (the three brothers), Grandpa on the right.  Finally, here are the three brothers and their wives:  Patsy, Linda, Dob, John, Carol, and Joe. 

Cousin Love: Annie, Zachary, & Leia