Christmas 2012

Our Christmas timeline was a little rushed this year since we didn't make it back home until the 21st.   But we channeled our innner-elfs and somehow managed to have all the decorations up, presents wrapped, and formal introductions made between Susannah and our new elf on the shelf Sam.  All by December 23rd.   It was a lovely few days that we will cherish forever.   Here are some of the highlights.....

Susannah was feeling really yucky the day after we got home, so our morning out in Coronado was cut short.

But not before we had a cupcake to help us feel better.

By Christmas Eve she was as good as new and ready to go see Santa. 

"Are we taking the wagon Mommy?"

"I'm ready when you are!"

She was much less terrified than last year, but she still wanted Mommy and Daddy with her during her Santa visit.

She did tell him that she wanted a pink balloon for Christmas and blow him a good bye kiss, so I would call that a pretty successful trip.

I know this picture is blurry, but we started a new family Christmas Eve tradition and I wanted to document it.......eating lunch at a sketchy ethnic restaurant.   This year was mexican, of course.   Susannah LOVED her rice and beans. 

And Mommy loved her shrimp burrito.

After church and bedtime for Susannah it was time for Daddy to get to his elf-work.   Here was the finished product.   (A great big thanks to all the grandparents and aunts and uncles that contributed to Santa's cause.)

We each had two stockings.....one from San Diego and one from Tennessee that Grammy had sent.

Our presents almost overtook our little tree.   We didn't think we had time to justify a real tree, so Peter found this little artificial one.  I figure it can be Susannah's tree for future Christmases.

Of course, we had our beautiful nativity from Madagascar.  (Maybe in our next house we can find a better setting for baby Jesus than our cable box.)

Here is Susannah playing with her Minnie Mouse bingo game.   (Thanks Aunt Susan and Uncle Andy!)

She was a little overwhelmed I think.....she didn't want to finish opening her presents because she wanted to play with each one.

Daddy helped encourage her to open more.

Santa even brought Meadow some new tennis balls and treats.

Susannah loves giving treats to Meadow.   She says "Sit!" with such authority.  

Susannah opened these new pjs and wanted to wear them immediately.  

Notice the wardrobe change in this photo.  

Daddy wanted to wear his new UGA windbreaker too.   Susannah LOVES her grocery cart and groceries.  (Thanks Grammy!)

Daddy set the basketball goal up in the backyard and she had a great time trying it out.

So fun!!

Our best friend Leyton came over a couple of days after Christmas to play with all the new toys.   We walked to the park and they were so sweet holding hands on the sidewalk.

Susannah's other big present was a little table and chairs for her room.   (Thanks Mimi and Poppy!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have already had a number of very fun tea parties at this table.   Susannah LOVES it!

This Christmas, we are especially grateful for all of the good that God has put in our life.    Here's to a Happy New Year and a 2013 filled with hope, joy, and love.

Loooong time no see......

Well, the Mallory family is still alive and kicking but I'm feeling very anxious about the long blog absence.   I try to follow my "1 entry a week" rule, but I have been failing miserably lately.  We have been in Georgia visiting family for close to three weeks and now that we are back home in San Diego, I'm poised and ready to recap the last month or so.    And what better place to start than Susannah's 2nd birthday party??

We celebrated with a morning gathering of friends. Susannah's current obsession is balloons, so we filled the backyard with as many as we had time to blow up.

Susannah was beside herself with excitement when she woke up and saw the backyard.

It did look pretty festive.

Peter confirmed his "Dad of the Year" status with all of his hard work and blistered fingers from tying balloons.

We kept the menu simple....coffee and pumpkin bread for the parents.   Goldfish, juice boxes, and cupcakes for the kiddos.

Last year we had way too much food, but this year we hit it pretty much on the mark.

Mommy and birthday girl before the party.

I am absolutely astounded by how big she is and how fast she is growing.

It was a great morning.

Instead of cake, we had a cupcake bar and it was a huge hit.

Susannah got to make the first one and she was really into the sprinkles.

Happy Birthday dear Susannah!

She blew out the candles like a champ.    She had gotten some practice from with the jack-o-lanterns at Halloween.

She wasn't shy with her cupcake.

But she did share a little with her sweet babysitter, Miss Debra.

Of course, her best friend Leyton was there to help us celebrate.

This was the best group shot of the kids we could manage.   Susannah is so lucky to have so many sweet little friends.

Looking adorable in her festive party hat.

We ended the party with some dancing.   Susannah LOVES to dance.   We are considering signing her up for a class soon.

Each guest got to take a balloon home with them.

The weight for the balloon was this little package of m&ms.  

After naptime, we spent the afternoon opening presents.   Shoo-Shoo sent her this dancing penguin and she loved it......but only from a distance.  

She also recieved this adorable high-chair and a new Coronado tea-set.  

She invited Monkey to her very first tea party. 

 

Another birthday highlight was wearing the birthday hat at storytime.   She was so brave and loved having everybody sing to her.  

Overall, I would say birthday #2 was a great success.   More posts coming soon!