Later Christmas Day

We left for Unionville after we opened presents at our house. We had a great lunch and then dug right in to opening presents with the Doolin clan.
Ever the princess, Gracie received two real tiaras. She has enjoyed wearing them when she dresses up in her princess dresses.

I love this picture of Kalyn and Gracie. They are such good friends and enjoy having each other to play with.

Gracie didn't mind modeling her new tiara. It really is quite pretty.

I couldn't resist posting this picture of Eric and Madison. It was a really fun day, and Eric's face shows that. We had some tears as it was the first Christmas without Brent's dad, but for the most part we stayed upbeat.

Mama got each of her female grandkids a necklace from Silpada. Gracie had the matching bracelet already, so she's turning into an accessory diva, I guess. She can put them on and prance around the house in her Silpada and her tiaras!

Ella woke up from her nap and was ready to tear into a few presents of her own.

Mama got Ella her own set of instruments. She really has enjoyed playing with them.

It's amazing how educational baby toys can be. This toy was really cute, and Ella will really enjoy it in a couple of months. For now, she just likes hear it make noise.

Ella got her big present unwrapped, and climbed on top of the box. She then looked around like that was exactly what she was supposed to have done. It was just a bonus that there was a really fun toy inside the box.

One of the rare times I'm in a picture, and I have to look crazy! Actually, this is a game that Gracie received for Christmas. She loves it and we have to play it daily. You hold a card up to your face and figure out what you are by asking yes and no questions. You can also play it in a charades fashion and act out what you are. It's a really good game for kids Gracie's age.

Christmas Morning at Home

We have tried to start a new tradition these last two years. In the past, we always went to either Unionville or Moberly on Christmas eve so that we could spend Christmas morning with our parents. We switch off years being at either the Doolin or Self home on Christmas and Thanksgiving. This year was Christmas day at the Doolin's. Back to our tradition though...we now stay home until we have opened our presents on Christmas morning and then travel to our families. It makes for a little rushing around to get where we need to be by lunchtime, but it's nice to have those few hours together at home to enjoy watching our girls open gifts and play with their new things.

Ella did a fine job jumping right into the Christmas festivities. She certainly didn't understand everything going on, but she quickly realized she enjoyed unwrapping presents, making a mess with the paper, and pushing the boxes around. The slide Ella is standing by was her present from Santa. Her babysitter has one, and Ella enjoys it, so we thought she might like one at home since she is only at Gena's two days a week. It worked out nicely for Gracie also, since she still likes Little Tykes slides.

Here is a fine example of Ella simply playing with wrapping paper that was lying on the ground. Great gift idea!

Gracie loves all things pretty, so she was thrilled to get a wedding day Barbie. She already talks about her wedding and what the dress will look like. YIKES!

Ella would leave the slide for a while to explore other things, but she always came back to it. She's trying to figure out how to do it without assistance.

Gracie had been wanting an American Girl doll, but I think Santa thought Target's version was just as cute! She honestly didn't even know the difference, so she was quite happy!

Gracie and Ella tackled their stockings first thing this morning. Ella appeared to know what to do, even though this was a new concept for her. Gracie thought it was particularly funny that Santa put new underpants in the bottom of her stocking. Ella was just glad to see some snacks in her stocking. She's our little eater!

A Snowy Day

Today was a perfect snow for getting our sled out and enjoying the hill in our back yard. I stood on the deck and took these photos of Gracie and some of the neighbors sledding down our hill. When we bought our house we knew it would be a great hill in the winter, and we were right! Gracie loves sledding down it a few times, but then she's content to just watch everyone else slip and slide down the hill.

Gracie is standing on the left in the green coat. She was tired of sledding by this point.

Trying to get a Christmas Card Photo

I tried! I really, really tried to get the perfect shot for a Christmas card this year. Obviously, none of you have received a card because I was never happy with any of our pictures. They may have been cute, or even funny, but they weren't the "perfect" portrayal of our beautiful girls! I should have saved every single photo and put them on this post, but I deleted the crazy ones. If I would have posted them all you would understand how many photo sessions we had in an effort to get that great shot. Oh, well! Instead we have a string of cute photos of our beautiful girls with their tongue out, or the wrong lighting, or one child looking at the camera and one trying to escape! Enjoy!

Christmas Party at Gracie's School

Gracie still goes to Tri-County Christian School every Wednesday and Thursday. Today they had their class Christmas party. I got to go and help during the party, although I'm not sure how much help I was since Ella came along.

Our big girl sitting in her chair at school. They made really cute Christmas necklaces to wear during the party.

I love this picture of Gracie with Caylie and Emma. There are only 4 girls in Gracie's class, so they have to stick together.

In this picture, Gracie was opening her present from the teacher. Coloring books, chap stick and a baby doll were a hit! The kids all brought a gift to exchange with someone in the class. Gracie's was given a Disney princess locket and ring. Boy, did someone know just what she likes!

The Little Drummer Girl

Gracie has learned a lot of Christmas carols this year. I love to hear her singing, because half of the words are wrong, but it's the way she thinks the song goes. Probably her favorite carol is "The Little Drummer Boy." She has to get her drum out every time she sings it. If we are in the van and she hears it on the radio, I have to pass her the Kleenex box to serve as her drum.

A Future Musician???

Ella got to experience playing Grandpa's organ for the first time. It used to be Gracie's favorite thing to do at Grandpa's house, so maybe Ella will be the same way.

This picture shows Ella clapping for herself. Clapping is one of her favorite "tricks."