Christmas Morning

Claire woke up about 7:30 a.m. and then Chris woke Madison up (which results in a GRUMPY girl). After taking some time to calm Madison and waiting for the Great-Grandparents to arrive we were ready to begin the festivities around 8 a.m. Of Course we had to brush the girls hair and put bows in! The girls excited and ready... What Santa left the girls...

Claire trying on her presents...she got a Fairy dress-up dress with wand, tutu made by Grandma Dottie, converse hightops from Uncle McKay, necklaces from Grandma & Papa...she thought she was pretty neat stuff and kept giving herself kisses in the mirror.

Great-Grandpa Earl gave Madison roller skates! She was so excited and loved doing them on the carpet--not so much on the slippery kitchen floor.

Grandma was so tired and Madison "decorated" her.

Christmas Eve

We headed to New Mexico for Christmas on Wednesday Dec. 23rd. This was our first time to be all together for Christmas after Chase & McKay's missions. My parents and Ali were at Ryder's basketball tournament in Sante Fe until 11:00 p.m. that night. We arrived to this beautiful lit tree and a pot of pinto beans ( per Chris' request). Thursday the boys and Ali played basketball and then Ryder, Ali and Chris saw Avatar. That night we went to Grandma Sherwood's with all of my extended family...way too many people to count. Madison sang the Hippopotamus song for everyone! Then we came home and she shared the Christmas story.

Kendal and I...

Madison opening her pajamas.

Claire opening her pajamas.

Our ballerina...

Once they were dressed there was no stopping the dancing. Madison would try to stop and Claire would not let her.

Madison and Grandma got Santa and his reindeer a snack all set out...cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

Christmas Crafts and Dresses

A few days before we left for New Mexico for Christmas, Madison wanted something to do. So while Claire was napping we made a cotton-ball snowman and she loved it! She took this picture herself.
The proud creator.

The Sunday before Christmas the girls wore their Christmas dresses that Grandma & Papa gave them. It was a challenge trying to get a picture.

Claire loves giving Madison hugs and kisses.

After church we tried with Dad's help...

Not much better results! But they did look adorable!

Our new Floors

We got some new flooring, which we are LOVING! Here are some pictures...

Randomness

A few weeks ago, Chris and I went out on a date. The restaurant we went to was right by Krispy Kremes and the "hot" light was on, so Chris couldn't resist. We got the girls some cute snowmen donuts (a few for Chris--6) and got the girls the hats. The next morning they wouldn't take them off.
One of Madison's creation "Castle".

These pictures were taken before Thanksgiving. I thought C-Bear looked so cute in her orange.

Holiday Dresses

Just some pictures of the girls in some Holiday dresses. These first two are Madison from two years ago. She was so sweet, calm and would let me take her picture.

Then there is my sweet Claire who is so full of energy and doesn't like posing for pictures!

She is CONSTANTLY on the move or into something. If I turn around for 5 seconds she is doing something she shouldn't be. I find her on the dining room table and computer desk multiple times a day!! But we love her dearly. She has learned to say "I love you", "Ho ho ho" and "treat".

Sweet Madison!

Claire not cooperating for a picture!