It's Christmas Time!!

Christmas is officially right around the corner and we have been doing all sorts of fun things to prepare and get ourselves into the holiday spirit.    From breakfast with Santa, to Irish sing-alongs, to pot-lucks with our neighbors, we have been enjoying our first American Christmas as a family of four.   The girls are at the perfect age and we are trying to soak in all the memories.   I haven't been the best photographer this year though, so these pictures are a little limited.....

One Saturday morning we all went to SA's school for breakfast with Santa.  They had treats and crafts.   Susannah is wearing her Daisy vest because she and I came from Target where her troop was shopping for Angel Tree gifts with money they earned doing chores.   I never thought I would be a girl scout mom, but I'm loving all the character building activities they do.

They had a little photo booth set up for everybody to use while we waited for Santa to arrive.

These two were excited!

We played bean bag toss too.

And then it was time to get in line for Santa!

SA was adamantly opposed once the time actually arrived, so Susannah told Santa SA's wishes for her.

Merry Christmas Santa!

Peter needed the car one morning last week, so he dropped SA and I off at bible study early.   She used up the extra time to run laps around the children's center.

Wahoo!    And after bible study, the children performed for all of us.   SA was really brave!

Another day, another Christmas activity for SA.  

This morning she had her Christmas sing-along at school.

Her class had made star hats for the occasion.

It was crazy and chaotic and so sweet.

Friday night Peter and I had date night.   After happy hour at the Australian Embassy, we had dinner at a French restaurant near Dupont Circle.   One of the best meals I can remember.   

My handsome date.   The pictures have weird light because the restaurant was decorated for Christmas and we were under some twinkle lights.  

Sunday morning we headed to church.   The girls looked cute in the Christmas colors, but they weren't cooperating for the photo.  

nope.

and nope.

a little better, but blurry.....

And still nope.   ;)

Up this week is cinnamon roll delivery to the neighbors, a trip to see the lights at the zoo, and a pajama ride to see all the neighborhood Christmas lights.   We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.   May you all experience the law of love and the gospel of peace this holiday season.    We love you all!

Susannah is 6!

I can barely believe these words are true even as I type them, but Susannah turned 6 this weekend!   SIX.   How can that be?   We celebrated with an Elena of Avalor birthday party on Saturday.   Shoo Shoo came for the festivities which made everything even more special.   Here are all of the pictures....

Peter took Friday off so that we could have lunch with the birthday girl at school.

She was so excited about her birthday crown and being the line leader all day.   After school we took Shoo Shoo out to our favorite Mexican place and then to get ice cream from Dairy Godmother.   We were too busy eating to take any pictures.   

Saturday was spent prepping for the big Elena of Avalor birthday party.   Elena is Susannah's favorite princess and she has been asking for an Elena party for months.   

She wore her Elena dress of course.  And her birthday crown from school.

We were all happy to have Shoo Shoo here to celebrate with us. 

Me and my birthday girl right before the guests arrived.   We had 9 little girls and......

one disney princess!!!    Elena came all the way from Avalor for Susannah's party!   

Everybody was mesmerized, even the adults.   

She had a little coronation ceremony when she arrived.

And crowned Susannah the birthday princess.

Then she did stories and songs.   

These girls were running around like crazy animals before her arrival, but they were like little mice the entire time Elena was in charge.  ;)

She painted faces and helped them with a little crown craft. 

Sarah Avery hung back with Mommy and Daddy for most of the party, but she was front and center when it was time for cake!

Elena helped us sing.

After we said goodbye to Elena, it was time to open presents.   These are two are our neighbors and some of Susannah's favorite friends.  

Sunday morning was Susannah's real birthday so we saved her family gifts for then.   She was pumped to get this star wars nightgown from her Daddy.

And she and SA have been fighting over playing with this veterinarian set ever since Susannah opened it.  Thank you Aunt Susan!

We had a birthday brunch at a neighborhood restaurant and spent the rest of the afternoon playing with all our new toys.   It was an awesome birthday weekend for sure.   Thank you to all the grandparents who sent presents to make it so special!

And to the birthday girl, my 6 year old beauty,
     Your Daddy and I could not be more proud of you.   You have added so much love and laughter and purpose to our lives. There are really no words to even try and describe how much you mean to us.   You are such a leader and you can always make us laugh with your crazy faces or silly dances.   But what makes us the most proud is your kind and generous heart, your intelligent curiosity about the world, and your courage.   You are an amazing role model for your sister.   We can't wait to watch you learn and grow this next year.  

We love you to the moon and back one million trillion times.
Mommy