Bath time fun!

Bath time fun! Last night we had lots of fun with the new soap crayons and foam that Santa left in Madeline's stocking. It's hard to tell if I had more fun or Maddie did? Who am I kidding, I definitely did, I love this stuff!

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas began on December 23, when we had an amazing homemade dinner of lasagna, with homemade sauce, recipe courtesy of Nonna, with wonderful family and friends. It turned out great, and I know she was looking down on me the whole time we were enjoying it. To top it all off I decided to try my hand at homemade tiramisu, my all-time favorite dessert, and that also turned out fabulously! Next year, when we are actually home for the holiday, the traditional Italian dinner, will be held on Christmas Eve and everyone is welcome! Seriously.

After everything was cleaned up, we headed downstairs to set up the gifts and Madeline's big Christmas gift. We decided we would have our Christmas on Christmas Eve morning before we headed out for West Virginia. After it was all set up, we nestled in for a great night's sleep...and for Madeline to wake us up! Oh and Madeline wore her Milk and Cookies PJs to bed so Santa would have something to nibble on :) hee hee.

Our table set up for Christmas Eve dinner.

Our beautiful tree all set up after Santa visited.

The tree with Madeline's BIG gift next to it.

Madeline's adorable tree we set up in her room, Madeline doll courtesy of Aunt Sarah and Uncle Mark last Christmas.

Discovering her gifts in the morning!

Fun in the tent Christmas Eve morning!

Showing daddy her new phone from Cousin Emily.

Digging into the Little People farm from Aunt Sarah and Uncle Mark.

And of course loving the awesome magnum bottle of wine from A. Sar and U. Mark!

Finally getting to open the BIG gift from Grandma Ayres!

A Sled! Madeline had to hop in right away and check it out...

...and daddy had to try it out too. All around the room they went!

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!

After Christmas Eve morning at our house, we packed up and headed out to Mamaw and Papaws in West Virginia. We had a great few days visiting with them, and as always Madeline got spoiled like crazy!

Madeline opening her stocking Christmas Morning (and showing off one of her new headbands).

Trying out the new chair Christmas morning from Mamaw and Papaw. She loves it!

But NOTHING was more fun than playing in the box that the chair came in...she played in this all weekend!

Eventually even Uncle Justin joined in with the fun in the box.

Our attempt at a family photo...obviously not working.

Me and Madeline...slightly better photo.

Cousin Lauren and her bean bag!

Aidan and Madeline, giving hugs. Aidan was amazing with her all night!

Merry Christmas!

The Lasagna, my Nonna's to be specific has been made, and the Tiramisu has been eaten, so it's time for us to wish everyone a Very, Very Merry Christmas...Oh and Sorry to Aunt Jessica and Aunt Jami, your cards were returned to us today. :( Not sure why, but here is what it would've looked like. Merry Christmas to everyone. We wish we could be there to celebrate with everyone!

A Holiday Visit to the Pediatrician

Yup, you guessed it. After several days of Madeline having a yucky nose, and finally yesterday rubbing at her ears, we headed to the pediatrician this morning. And yes, Jolly Old St. Nick brought her a double ear infection. Okay, maybe it wasn't St. Nick, but she got it anyway. Poor thing, she's been a trooper all weekend. So we are headed to Target to pick up some Amoxicillan from the Pharmacy after daycare today. Lets hope we can get this thing cleared up by the time Christmas is here. *Sigh* On a side note, she is currently 19lbs and 3 oz. We're almost at 20lbs!

Jazz Hands!!!!!!!!!

So I taught Madeline Jazz Hands...She's a natural... :O)

A snowy walk in the woods

Mother Nature was kind to us this past weekend. We got a beautiful Christmas snow, just about 4 inches, enough to be pretty, but not a pain. It was perfect! So this morning we decided to bundle up Madeline and the puppies and walk over to the state game lands by our house for a walk. It was a gorgeous day and great to get out and enjoy the beauty of the woods. Not sure who had more fun Madeline or the puppies?

Daddy, Madeline, Hanna and Sadie heading up the trail...Mommy obviously lagging behind.

The hat ended up falling off and covering her eyes so we went for the hood on the outfit. Thanks so her birthday gift from Devon, Jayson and Leslie she was toasty warm...the Onsie fit perfectly over clothing and everything!

Santa and Mrs. Claus

On Friday Madeline had her Christmas Party at daycare. While she doesn't usually go on Fridays we made a special exception for this day. Noah, Madeline's "boyfriend," dressed up as Santa, so of course Madeline wanted to wear her dress with the fur trim to match...don't us mommies plan great?!? They are too cute. Anyway, Madeline had such a busy day she was too tired to stay and party by the time mommy and daddy arrived. So we missed the party, but she did have a great day.

Madeline and Noah, Oops! I mean Santa and Mrs. Claus. :)

Fun in the toy chest! Apparently Madeline likes to do this A LOT!

Christmas Dress

Last year Grandma Ayres bought this dress for Madline, when she was only a few months old. We debated the size of it over and over again, 12months, "Gosh this looks HUGE, I don't know if this will fit her next year." But sure enough it fits. *Sigh* And it is by gosh one of the cutest dresses Madeline has yet to wear. The Matching sweater, with crystal buttons, was worn to school, but not for the photos, sorry Grandma.

What a Ham!

Madeline is absolutely mesmerized by the Christmas Trees we have. She is constantly pointing to it or standing in front of it taking all of the ornaments off. Nice. Anyway, we snapped a few photos of her last night enjoying the tree in the foyer. By the time she made it to the top she was hamming it up, waving to mommy and daddy down below. Too cute.

Hi Moooommm, Hi Daaddddd!

Proudly waving hello!

Madeline and the Tree

I tried my best to get a photo of Madeline in front of the Christmas Tree, but unfortunately, she is always on the move. This is the best I could get.

Visity to Baby Emily

I finally got down to visit the infamous, yes already, Miss. Emily! I was only there for a few hours, but it was well worth it. She is gorgeous and is already sleeping the days away, the nights apparently not-so-much, but what can you expect? Here are a few photos! Enjoy!

The proud parents admiring baby Emily!

Emily!

Aunt Sarah!

Proud Aunt Amanda! I am finally and Auntie! YAY!

I love this photo, the look on Kristin's face says it all. "Really? She is mine? I can keep her?" Priceless.

Happy family.

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