It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas

My absolute favorite time of the year.  I love Christmas.  Mark and I go way over the top for the girls and for each other, but we love it! This past weekend it snowed (and iced) and we stayed in all weekend watching movies (some Christmas, some not) played games, and ate junk.  It was wonderful!

We finally broke down and bought a new tree last year after Christmas and I love it.  It is soooo pretty all light up at night. 

We went and saw Santa a few weeks ago.  I love keeping the magic alive.  

Both girls had several requests for Santa...

Their smiles are just precious.  

They both wrote a letter to Santa.  

Lauren agreed to pose for several pictures for me (the girl that will never cooperate for pictures unless it is a selfie...lol)  I love this one.  She is growing up way too fast.  

Oh, and we can't forget Ginger.  She is almost one year old (January 4th) and we love her dearly.  She has been an incredible dog to our family this past year.  

Christmas is less than one week away and we are all very excited. Stay warm and Merry Christmas everyone! 

Visiting Santa 2014

Visiting Santa the Bass Pro Shop was very magical this year.  Both girls still believe in Santa and were so excited to him.  I have a feeling this might be one of the last years that Lauren truly believes.

This Santa was amazing.  He did an awesome job with the girls.  

Lauren had a list of things for Santa to bring this year...including a real puppy.  This is the 2nd year she has asked for a real puppy.  This is the 2nd year she will not be getting a real puppy Christmas morning.  

Addison wants all things American Girl.  A wheelchair, locker, and horse.  She is getting a few of those things! 

We made a special request to Santa through one of his elves.  He told the girls that they need to listen to their Mommy and Daddy in order to get Christmas presents under the tree Christmas morning.  We really need to pull out that card more these upcoming weeks while we can! 

After the girls wrote their letters and did some arts and crafts, the letters were put in Santa's mailbox.  

Once again, this year, we are doing 4 gifts.  Something the girls Want, something they Need, something they will Wear and something they will Read.  Their stockings will be full and Santa will drop off gifts as well.  Oh, and Daddy has a little surprise up his sleeve as well.  The girls will love it. 

So, for now we are trying to embrace the madness of this holiday season.  It's halfway over already.  I can't even believe it.  There is so much that still needs to be done, although a lot of it is fun!  

Happy Holidays!