Oh Christmas Tree!

Here is Luke giving a tour of our tree. Each morning he would wake up and show me his favorite ornaments, and of course his beloved "Star!" on top. This was a special tour for Grams after we got home from the Christmas Eve service...isn't he most handsome?!

Let's start here with one of many, many balls.

"Puppy!"

Reaching for something, not quite sure.

"Choo! Choo!"

"Star!"

"Knock! Knock!" A little red door for Luke's love of knocking.

Looking high to the star on top.

The Polar Express

What a wonderful Christmas we had! Ross' parents came in to celebrate with us this week and Luke had a blast with Grams and Granddad. On Tuesday, we went to Northpark to see the trains on display there. Granted, it wasn't "THE" Polar Express, but they did have a model of one along with many others. Luke loved getting to see all the trains and miniature cities. I think Granddad did too!

Luke and Granddad getting ready for some steam action!

NYC: The Statue of Liberty

If you look closely you can see the cute little funicular in the background.

The Capitol.

The White House.

Luke showing Dad all there is to see.

Luke getting for the train to come around the mountain.

D-Town!

Mt. Rushmore

The Golden Gate

Santa's Village

What a wonderful time we had tonight going to Santa's Village in Richardson. Luke's teacher, Ms. Barbara said it was a must, and I'm so glad she insisted we go. Luke loved going to all the little cottages and Ross and I loved the themes, and festiveness of the night. Santa's arrival on a firetruck was quite impressive too! Ross was even more excited because it was FREE! We had a great time and look forward to making this a Christmas tradition each year.

Here's the view looking down at all the cottages.

Here's Luke and a friend trying to see if someone will hurry and open up this cottage.

Checking out the fountain with dad.

Trying to keep mom warm with snuggles.

This is the Polar Bear bank. Luke got to insert an ATM card, push a magic button and recieved a reindeer buck, which was quickly redeemed for a sticker. Amazingly, each cottage had some sort of "activity", whether it ranged from a petting zoo, making snowmen masks or ornaments, to helping Mrs. Claus with her treats. I was very impressed at how much hard work went into all of this.

Here's one of the many Christmas trees. This one was decorated in a patriotic theme...Mimi, I know this would have been your favorite one!

The symphony house where the kids could go in a play instruments.

The ornament factory.

City Hall

And to top everything else off, the Dixie Grand Cloggers were performing! They were cute and Luke just sat and watched them for about 10 minutes. After that we had to go because it was getting mighty cold!

Santa's house. We got to see him arrive, but it was like Brad Pitt walking the red carpet, so we didn't get any pictures because we didn't want to get trampled. We knew Luke wouldn't be up for sitting on Santa's lap, but we still wanted him to get to see him. Next year I think he'll be up for it, but we'll have to get there about 30 minutes early. By the time Santa arrived this line was all around the park...YIKES!

And Santa's workshop. Again, we didn't want to wait in line, but hopefully next year when Luke has a patience level (fingers crossed) we can. Still it was so fun getting to see all the sights and people out enjoying the season. Luke's words for the night included: "Woah!" "Oh Cool!" "Knock, Knock!" and "Bye Bye" (this was used when Ross and I got to close and interferred with his independence).

Cookies for Santa

Last night Avery's parents let her come visit while they went Christmas partying. We have so much fun together. I try my very very best to make her laugh...whether by laughing in her face, or throwing something on the floor over and over. Sometimes it works, other times I realize I'm going to have to try harder. While she was here mom let us decorate Christmas cookies. We had a good time shaking sprinkles on and the meticiously placing candy pieces on one by one. Of course the best part was licking the icing off our fingers. We were "quite the mess" as told by mom, so then it was off to a bubble bath. We had a good time with my Elmo and Cookie monster toys, but I kept stealing them away from Avery and telling her "thank you." Mom said that's not how we share, but it seems to work for me. After that it just so happens that we have the same Christmas pj's, so mom made sure to get lots of pictures. I'm so thankful for such a fun friend and this morning the first thing I said when I got up was "Avery!" She was gone already, but I can't wait to see her again!!

Green sprinkles for Luke,

and red sprinkles for Avery.

Luke saying "Cheese!" but looking at Avery to see if she's saying it too.

Sticky fingers, but oh so yummy!!

"Hey, I don't know what's going on. They just plopped us in a tub full of bubbles.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!"

Holding hands as mom would like to think. Reality, reaching for the same toy.

In our matching jammies, in an Elmo induced coma.

Taking a tickle-me-Elmo/Luke break!

Getting ready for bed, what a sweet smile Avery!

Mom loves this picture as we say good night to my Christmas tree.
Luke looks like Avery's older brother, about 2 years older!
Hopefully he'll look after her just like a little sis for years to come.

Family Pictures

Over Thanksgiving we had family pictures taken at the Aboretum. I've been wanting us to have pictures done for awhile now and this was the perfect opportunity. Ross was off from work, the weather was perfect and the colors were beautiful. A photographer named Lindsey Joy (www.lindseyjoy.com) took our pictures, along with her husband. They just snapped away and thankfully got some great shots, because Luke wasn't really interested in sitting around smiling. He's interests were in running around on all the great paths and playing in the grass. Needless to say, I was so happy with the results and if you're looking for a great photographer I highly recommend her.