Winter Wonderland

The neighborhood moms' group hosted  Winter Wonderland tonight.

Family, friends, food, music...and a surprise visit from a very special person.

patiently waiting in line with a few favorite friends...McKenzie and Kate

This is the very first time Lily has sat on Santa's lap.

She was nervous at first, but told me she was going to try and be brave.

She said she wanted a Minnie Mouse Bowtique and Doc McStuffin's mobile.

William wasn't quite as brave...and I might LOVE these pictures a bit too much.

(PS - he carried this football around the entire evening.  It's not even ours!)

 My sweet family.  So excited to celebrate Christmas with these three...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

We kicked off the Christmas season will a few family traditions.

On the first night of December, we loaded up the kids and explored our neighborhood's Christmas lights.

Lily loved all the inflatable animals and any decor that moved.

William enjoyed a little Christmas music and laughing at his sister's giggles.

{sporting our new Christmas jammies from Nanny}

Once back home, Lily was finally able to open the first book...after impatiently waiting all day long.

{We wrap 24 Christmas books - some old, some new, some borrowed from the library...and open one every night of December}

William was happy to join in on the fun this year!

"The Story of Christmas" to kick off the season. 

Looking forward to more fun memories over the holiday season!

Gobble Gobble

Another successful turkey day in Arizona!  Mom and Dad arrived to beautiful weather, excited kiddos, and a happy daughter/son-in-law.  We always love when they are here and had so much fun!

Highlights included:

~the food, of course!  The boys grilled a beef tenderloin while we gals cooked up (waaayyy too much) side dishes

~a long hike on a gorgeous day

~fun walks, riding bikes, playing catch, running around the cul de sac.

~multiple runs to Home Depot for the boys as they added to the Christmas lights display

~Nanny and I enjoying a morning to ourselves while checking out the Black Friday deals

~lots of laughs, story telling, great conversations (from both adults and children alike)

We are so thankful for our family and thrilled they came to spend the holiday with us once again!

this cracked me up...three apple products entertaining my family

lots of outdoor play while the boys grilled

we officially have a walker.

we want to go shopping too!!!

A very special treat...Grandma and Aunt Mary were flying through Phoenix on their way to see Aunt Janice in California.  With an hour and a half layover, it was just enough time for Ryan and the kids to enjoy a Thanksgiving breakfast with two of their favorite ladies!