Christmas Capers

Ever since my own childhood I have anticipated Christmas with a maniacal glee bordering on an unhealthy obsession. Perhaps my birthday falling just 1 short day before Christmas Eve helped to heighten the excitement and the magic of the holiday for me. I know most everyone loves this particular holiday, but I count on Christmas to be memorable and it has never disappointed. I cling to important traditions surrounding this wonderful day like Leo Di Caprio held onto that piece of wood in the freezing ocean. Yes, I did just reference Titanic and don't pretend like you didn't like it.

Apparently I have fostered this adoration for all things lighted, red, green, fat, and jolly in my daughter. She is IN LOVE with Christmas! I never dreamed that Christmas could look more beautiful from anyone's perspective other than my own, but now I have truly seen it through the eyes of a child. I am delighted and in awe! Together Lillie and I, with a lot of help from our awesome friends and family, managed to squeeze every last ounce of joy from these 31 days.



Lillie had a blast at parties and events galore. We flitted hither and thither dressed in festive garb and singing modified carols. If that terminology confuses you, you need only hear Jacey's unique rendition of "Jingle Bells" (Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, I smell Lillie's feet...HEY!) or Lillie's condensed version of "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas." (No Rhinocerosseseseses cuz Hippopotamuses love me toooooo!)


Meeting Rudolph at Fiesta Texas with Joseph


Having a girly spa day on Sara's birthday



We shopped, looked at lights every single night, visited with Santa three times, took an outrageous amount of pictures, enjoyed holiday at the park at Fiesta Texas, and baked enough cookies to make an elf sick!


Santa #1


Santa #2

Most importantly, we spent tons of time with all the people we love. We were so lucky to have all of our nearest and dearest close by to share in the infectious spirit of the season.


Making a Gingerbread house at cooking class


Lillie and Jacey enjoy a private story time with Santa

Best of all was the look on Lillie's sweet little face on Christmas morning when she awoke to find a fully stocked "Gross-a-lee Store" complete with shopping cart and labeled baskets of fruits and veggies. Oh that santa is a smart fellow! How did he know just what she wanted? How did he know that she fell in love with pretend gross-a-lee shopping on her last visit to the awesome New Braunfels Children's museum? It MUST be magic!


Christmas morning



In short, we like Christmas and this was the best one I've ever had in so many ways. I hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas, too.

Oh and please don't judge me for sending my Christmas cards out in the middle of January. Did you SEE the list of things we did this month??!!? I am a woman, not a machine!