Tradition

Traditions merge, as families do, for the holidays.

We always put our star on top as a family. While our tree has been up since the week after Thanksgiving - we didn't add our star on top OR the two Stars of David (one red, one white - that Coleman and I bought in Mexico on our honeymoon) until just before Church on Christmas Eve.

After Church, we get ready for the Vice family traditional Christmas Eve meal. Here goes:

bread (we had crescents - Coleman's favorite),

pear salad (seen here as Campbell helps (while eating cherries) Grandmother,

hot chicken salad,

something green (we had broccoli - Coleman's favorite).

I know, it may seem odd to those of you enjoying Turkey and dressing or Ham and green-bean casserole. However, this is a meal that can mostly be made ahead. Smart on my mother-in-law's part! After all, I'm not one for tradition when it comes to holiday meals! (we eat boeuf Bourguignon at Mom's on Christmas day, because it is yummy and it can also be made ahead!)

Fancy Nancy

Speaking of posers!
We have had the rare opportunity of cooperation from our girl as of late. Today, she is sporting her newest Christmas gift. Just when we were afraid that she had moved on, sadly, from Nancy to Dora - she is back in it!

We are so looking forward to Christmas this year with her. She is very opinionated and sure of exactly what Santa should bring. As a back up, she is also telling Barnacle, the Shelf Elf.

Just a few more hours until Santa arrives!

In case we are 'off air' for a few days...
Happy Christmas to you!

Such a Poser!

I had to include just one more shot of my 'poser' niece - Brenlee. She is at such a great age for being animated. She laughs at EVERYTHING (especially, her cousin Campbell).
We observed that every age is the age where you want to 'freeze them' in time. I have a new age each week. Luckily, it is currently at 3 1/4 years, as it should be. Some days...you just want to go back, for good reasons or bad. But, only for a minute. I wouldn't miss a day.

Three Angels

A rather uneventful weekend turned into something different when my little sister ended up in the hospital. Having just given birth last week, we were all worried. She is fine, and we are all feeling blessed.

This round of cousins includes the newest addition, Kate - as well as, those time honored favorites...Brenlee and Campbell. (I'm still working on finding a good group shot of these 3 wiggly, giggly girls!)
Enjoy.

Stay tuned for the next round of 'these three cousins', it is a little 'boy' heavy!

Sing, Sing, Sing!

Today was her school Christmas program. All the kiddies were super-cute and did their very best to sing their little hearts out!

Rollin' Down the River

While I have been too busy to breathe this week - our little one managed to have a blast (with Daddy) with her friends and those of Mommy and Daddy at River's house. They decorated cookies and had a great time. I believe she fell asleep in about 5 minutes after coming home!

I wish I could have been there instead of cooking. Thank you Diane for the pic!

Silly

While eating lunch today, we discussed Christmas - and the 'true' meaning'.

Mommy: "Who's birthday do we celebrate on Christmas?"

Sweetness: "Baby Jesus."

Sweetness: "How did he grow up to be such a great man?"

Mommy: "I guess he had great parents."

Mommy: "Do you have great parents?"

Sweetness: "Well, my parents are silly!"
Then she decided to giggle for several minutes.

So, I guess (based on this deduction) that we aren't the type that might raise the next great man. Good thing we are going to raise an amazing woman!


In case you are wondering, this SILLY girl found some nail polish - and decided to paint both hands and a table. I wonder if Jesus ever did anything like that?

I WILL NOT BE AFRAID!

Yeah, right! I was so proud and afraid all at once. My sweet little girl is 'sledding' down the steepest hill at a friend's house. There were plenty of people on either side/end to prevent serious damage - but, I held my breath....well, of course that isn't true. I held my breath WHILE holding my camera. This shot just happened to work out.

She didn't bat an eye - I was about to lose my mind. What did she say immediately following the ride? I wanna do it again Mommy! (good girl)

Feeling Puny

This sweet girl had been feeling just that! Now, she is feeling better. She decided to get herself up and get dressed, along with Blanco. We were so happy that she is on the mend that...


WE ALL celebrated with star and moon pancakes (and butterflies and dinosaurs too!). Anything to help out!

As a side note, Coleman tells me all the time of the WONDERFULLY shaped pancakes that his Mom made for him as a child. There were Volkswagens and dogs, etc. Here is THE secret (according to Grandmother) if you aren't using cookie cutters/pancake forms. MAKE the pancake first and decide what it looks like BEFORE you tell your child what it is! You have such an advantage that way of appearing to be THE magic woman that you say you are!!!

Barnacle

Meet Barnacle.
He is our 'Elf on a Shelf'.

We have had the MOST fun with him this year. Campbell received him as a gift from Aunt Jill and Uncle Trent last year. I have never seen her so tickled as when she 'finds' him each day in his new hiding place after an all nighter with Santa. Here he is hiding in the empty flood light slot. You just never know where he will end up next!

And Baby Makes Three!

Leslie, Kate and Thad.


What a sweet family - my beautiful new niece is only 14 hours old.

Can't wait to visit in the day time and get some more photos!

Boredom Buster

After 48 hours without leaving the confines of our lovely home (due to a feverish little one) - we needed some relief! As we are in the throws of decorating every nook and cranny, a fun garland for the playroom was in order. As bright and colorful as it is - I think she enjoyed eating the Fruit Loops as much as working with them. She was fascinated by the previously undiscovered sugar treat! It turned out really cute.

Maybe next year, we can tackle popcorn and cranberries?

Christmas Parade

We really enjoyed the local Christmas parade this year. There were apparently new rules that stated that your 'float' must actually have decorations (there's an idea), and that the vehicles couldn't make too much noise. The parade was 1/2 hour shorter and much prettier!

We had a primo spot, thanks to our friends Stephen and Leslie. Campbell enjoyed hanging out with Sydney and Zee too.

She's On a Roll!

Just know that I will not post every continent (maybe) - but, she brought this one home today! She even 'signed' this one!

Her World

After months of showing NO interest, telling me it is hard (it is), and trying to get countless friends and teachers to help - SHE FINISHED! We are so proud of our little girl and her world.

If you can't tell from the photo, each continent is hand perforated with a large thumb tack. It takes a long time, and builds hand strength and coordination. Then, they glue each one in place.
(p.s. a little confidence building practice at home helped too!)