Merry Christmas!

Although every Christmas season seems to be our favorite, I think I can honestly say this year was the best. Everlee was really into the Christmas spirit and she seemed to notice every sign and symbol. She even made a statement that "it smelled like Christmas". We practiced our favorite holiday traditions of trimming the tree, visiting Santa Claus (numerous times), decorating our Gingerbread house, looking at Christmas lights, and watching our favorite holiday movies. We continued our yearly tradition with visits to Maryland and Pennsylvania. Even though the trips are long, we can never seem to get enough of family and friends. This year we even had the chance to see our cousin Scott's Llama farm. It was pretty interesting to see Llamas up close and personal. Along with our traditional celebrations, we included a few new traditions along the way. We had a surprise visit from Owl the Elf and we went to the Smithsonian Museum in D.C. to see the holiday decorations and dinosaurs. Everlee's favorite gifts this year were her dollhouse, train table, blue bell, mermaid Barbie, and her new Big girl room. We were fortunate to celebrate Christmas several times this year but we always remembered to take time to be thankful for the things that truly mattered. Friends, Family, Health, and Happiness!

Visiting with Santa

Our Gingerbread House

Smithsonian in D.C.

Owl the Elf

This Christmas season we had a very special visitor from the North Pole. On the first of December a cute little fellow appeared at our home hidden in one of our stockings. Everlee noticed him right away, and decided to name him "Owl". Owl was an Elf from the North Pole who would visit us for the month of December. He flew home every night to inform Santa Claus about Everlee's behavior. When Owl returned, he would land in a new spot in the house which had to be sought out by Everlee. Everlee jumped out of bed every morning calling, "Owl, where are you?" It never took her very long to find his new hiding place. Next year, we will have to encourage Owl to be a little more creative when it comes to his hiding spots. Owl hid in the stockings, the tree, the chandeliers, the ceiling fans, the bathroom sink, the pot rack, in a suitcase, and even Everlee's Play House. Owl even managed to visit us in Maryland and Pennsylvania when we were traveling for the holidays. He was a very faithful Elf. Everlee soon discovered, Owl flew much better when she gave him a BIG hug and kiss each morning. Although, it was hard to see Owl return to the North Pole, we are excited to await his arrival next year.

Blue Bell!

Everlee's favorite color for the past year has been blue so we weren't surprised when she asked for a Blue Bell for Christmas. At first, we thought this phase would pass and she would create a much longer list come Christmas. However, her loyalty to the Blue Bell stuck and she made sure to let everyone know she wanted Santa to bring her a Blue Bell. I bet Santa hopes he gets off this easy each Christmas season.

Sing Your Heart Out!

Everlee is determined to be the next American Idol Star. She loves to sing songs from school, the radios biggest hits, and songs taught in Sunday School. Her current hits are, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Jingle Bells, Rain Rain Go away, and her most famous number I got You! We are not quite sure where she learned the last song or what the exact words are but it seems to be her #1 hit!

Check This Out

Everlee has started to talk more and more these days. I always look forward to our backseat conversations on the way home from school. I can't help but laugh at the way she is developing her own phrases and little sayings. Just the other day, we were playing with Everlee's Legos (her favorite new toy) when she said, "Hey,Mom! Check this out!" Followed by, "Oh, my! Look at this!" while placing her hand on her cheek. She is taking right after me, and becoming quite the social butterfly.

Aaaaargh!

While on our cruise this summer, Everlee discovered her love of Pirates. She participated in a Pirate Adventure aboard the cruise ship and her fascination catapulted from there. Everlee's new favorite show is, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, on the Disney channel. She loves to chime in and declare the password while fighting along to stop Captain Hook. Naturally, for Halloween Everlee wanted to be a pirate. Her favorite joke became, "What is a Pirate's favorite letter?" "Arrrrrgh!!"

Pumpkin Patch!

Ever since, Everlee, was a few months old we started taking her to the Pumpkin Patch at the local church. It gives us a chance to take some great fall pictures and Everlee loves to pick out a pumpkin for each member of the family. Usually, her favorite toy at the time will also get their very own pumpkin as well. This year, Everlee was able to take more of an active role. She picked out several large pumpkins, many which were green with large bumps. It made us realize she understands the beauty which lies within. Everlee carried her own pumpkins and helped pull the wagon. It is so much fun to watch her maneuver her way around the pumpkin patch because it is clear she is on a mission. She always seems to know exactly what she is looking for. We never leave without the Perfect Pumpkin!

The Scarecrow was there to greet us!

SMILE!

Finding the Perfect Pumpkin!

I have this wagon under control!