Pajama Party

We went to our first Pajama Party on Saturday night and the girls were so excited all day they kept asking me when they could put their pajamas on and go to the party. I think they asked me 50 times during the day. We had some yummy food but the best thing was the chocolate fountain. I think Brooke and Presley had their share of chocolate that night. The girls had a gift exchange and they both got finger nail polis and lip gloss. Once Brooke saw the presents in our house she wanted to open it and kept saying she wanted her present not another one. I had to explain to her that she would end up with a different present. Presley's favorite part of the night was singing the Christmas Carols. That little girls loves to sing. She started out by me and slowly ended up by Mrs. Benefiel (one of her teachers). It ws so adorable to watch her sing and add a little dancing while singing. It was a great night and I think the Pajama Party was a hit with my two little girls.

St Lucia Day

They celebrated St. Lucia Day on Friday at school. ST Lucia goes to every classroom and  delivers cinnamon rolls to the children. It was such a treat to see the children's eyes light up when St. Lucia came in with the sweet treats. She asked the children if they knew who she was and they all replied, "St Lucy. She explained what she was wearing and why.  I found this information on line about St. Lucia.

Saint Lucia is a martyr from the fourth century who is remembered during the Christmas season on December 13, the shortest day of the year. The saint brings light into a world that has been plunged into darkness.

There are many legends about Lucia, starting in fourth century Sicily. One legend is that Lucia was a young woman who gave her dowry away to the poor and professed herself to be a Christian. As a result she was accused of witchcraft and put to death.
The woman in white brought gifts of food to starving people. Legends about Lucia vary, but Lucia shines as a beacon of light and hope in all of them.
Lucia's white gown represents purity and virginity. The red sash may represent her blood that was spilled when she was put to death. The crown of candles brings light into darkness.

Mother, Daughter Christmas Tea

Wow, what a weekend! It ended with Polly and Athen's Christmas Tea. It was much better this year because the girls are old enough that I don't have to follow them around and they can play with the other girls. I really enjoyed myself because I was able to talk with people I haven't seen in a while. The girls saw Santa and I do have to say I love the pictures I got this year. I had another talk on the way to Polly's about getting good pictures for mommy and they both agreed. It was precious to see them interact with all the different ages. Athen was so sweet to keep the girls entertained at times. She gave them some stuffed animals and the girls were thrilled. They really look  up to Athen. Thanks Athen for spending time with Brooke and Presley.

Another Christmas Party

We had Darla and Phil's party to attend after the parade so we went home to take a nap and then headed to their party. The girls got to see Clay and Josh again and played with Katie and Kiley. It was fun for the girls and mommy got to visit as well. It is much easier now that they are older. I made the girls promise me on the way over they would let me take their picture by Darla's tree. They were so silly, I love the pictures especially the one with the girls and I. Presley is flaunting her fake smile. How do you get her to smile normal?  I look at these pictures and think time has flown by because they are getting so big but I wouldn't trade these times. They are really at a fun and special age.

Children's Christmas Parade

We saw "The Children's Christmas Parade it was not near as cold as last year. It was a great parade but it seemed better last year when it was the Adolphus Parade. Presley's favorite was Wow Wow Wubzy and Scooby Doo. Brooke's favorite was the Princess in the bubble and Spiderman. I said, "What about Santa," and Brooke said, "Oh Yea, I liked him too, I liked all of them." We saw Skippy John Jones and were so surprised because we just started reading those books. It is so special to see them recognize characters in their everyday life and see their eyes connect with that realization. We saw Danielle and Payton and had lunch with them after the parade. Daddy was hunting so Erin came in his place. Another great time with friends.

Christmas Light Help

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Daddy put up the Christmas Lights and had to very eager helpers. We have had blue and white lights and daddy decided he wanted multicolor so he gave Brooke a color and Presley a different color and as he needed the certain color they handed it to him from their grocery cart. What a great idea daddy. I was headed to the store and thought what a great picture opportunity and had to take advantage of it.

North Pole Express

We took the girls to The North Pole Express. They had us go into a tent first and sing Christmas carols and had people get up on stage and participate in their little skits. They had all the children get on stage and sing Jingle Bells but the girls wouldn't do it. I was really surprised Brooke didn't, she is usually the one that will get up and dance when we go to Babes. We then were escorted outside and they had fake snow blowing and we made our way through a maze of trees and then were able to get on the train. All the kids were so excited and couldn't wait to get to their seats. We got to set at the front of the train. The train started and the air was filled with such excitement the kids couldn't contain themselves. They watched out the window as the train moved along and sang more songs and then Santa came through the doors. He walked down the aisle and said hello to every child on the train and shook their hands. He even gave them an ornament to hang on the tree. It was a good day and those little faces were a true testament of the fun. Brooke is asking for a bear and a pig from Santa and Presley is asking for a bunny and an airplane. They have seen Santa several times and have asked for the same thing. It is precious to see the innocense in their little minds.