Christmas Pictures 2012

I had been meaning to get pictures of the girls in their Christmas dresses, but I didn't get to it until the T family called after church on the 23rd to ask if we could come over and take a picture for them--I agreed and asked if they could do the same for us--and they turned out pretty great!  I'm so glad we took them and captured our little family at this stage--a 5 year old, a 3 year old, and a 1 year old.  Busy and silly and happy.

Candy escaped pretty quick despite her sisters' iron grips.

These 2 girls love each other so much.  They are best friends and playmates and I know they'll be so sad when Megan is gone at school all day in the fall.

6 silly friends.  Love them!

It's too quiet...

This is random, but I had to document.  Brooke got into my makeup on Dec. 22.  Oh little girls.  I remember how I loved to watch my Mom put on her makeup in the mornings.  Brookie has obviously been watching closely :)  Sometimes when Brookie is quiet just before naps, I'll find her absorbed playing pretend in one of the bedrooms. And other times, I find this...

Joy School Christmas Party

And a few more things too.  December was so warm this year, we spent a lot of time playing outside.  I even let the girls fingerpaint in the backyard on Dec. 19.

Megan was my most enthusiastic fingerpainter.  (not surprising--this girl loves her art projects)

Candy tried her hand at it too.

That night was also the Joy School Christmas party--always a good time.  All the Moms had gone with them the week before to a nursing home and sang to the residents and then acted out the nativity and gave out their nativity drawings.  So this was an encore presentation for the Dads to enjoy.

Megan as a wise man.

Brooke got to be Mary.

The whole group of sweet girls--they are a great group!

Candy was an enthusiastic audience member.

Silly sweet girls...

Megan's Recital

Megan's first dance recital was on Dec. 15.  Oh the cuteness.  She was so excited and I was interested to see how she did when the time came to perform.  She did great!  She was a little nervous, but for the dance itself she was all smiles.
The studio ran a pretty tight ship.  This recital takes place at the studio.  Each class performs 15 minutes apart in the biggest classroom.  We were told to arrive 10 minutes early (and not earlier).  They had another classroom decorated for pictures--there was a backdrop for you to take your own pictures and another backdrop with a professional photographer if you chose.  Then they lined up the kids and we headed in to watch the dance.  Before they performed they introduced each child.  I have become such a crybaby since having children, and so of course I was all choked up as she was introduced and walked across to take her place in line.  The dance was just as you'd expect from 4 and 5 year olds.  What they lack in skill they make up for in cuteness and enthusiasm.  When I figure out how to get the video off the ipod, I'll upload it for the viewing pleasure of the grandparents.

Brooke wanted a picture too.   Apparently this is her ballet pose...we'll work on it :)

Waiting to go in...

Megan's introduction...

Tiptoeing to her spot...

Daddy and his girls

Mommy's turn...

I love this picture.  I always knew Dan would be a great dad.  And he is.  He really is.  His girls love him more than anything.  He carried Megan to the car so she wouldn't get her ballet shoes dirty.  

12.12.12

Just had to document the supercool date...here we are on triple-12.

Candy is wearing some darling new tights and shoes.  They are one of the last gifts left that were from my Mom--they were in her "stash" of baby gifts that she divvied up among us in those last few weeks.  So, thanks Mom--they're cute and perfect for this time of year.

Reading time!  

And an awesome picture of me.  A day in the life--this was just before bedtime, no makeup, air-dried hair--and yet--that's me on 12.12.12!  

Snow Day!

Nothing says Christmas time like throwing snow-cone like ice at each other in 80 plus degree weather.  It was our neighborhood's annual snow day last Saturday Dec. 1 and we had a blast.  Met Santa (without any tears--although Candy wasn't his biggest fan), had hot chocolate (Megan's favorite part), saw friends, rode on a "sleigh" ride, the whole nine yards.  It was a great morning!

Waiting patiently to request...BIKES!  That's pretty much the whole of their lists this year.

So they had a professional photographer taking pics and that one looks great.  This one--not so much.  I had Santa's helper take it--she wouldn't make the cut at Disney World!

We lasted in the snow for about 90 seconds.  Each threw one snowball, said it was cold, and called it a day.  My sweet little Texans :)

Ahaha.  Candy looks awesome.  I just had to prove I was there too.