Another year comes to a close...

Monday, December 28

Every year, I gather up all of the presents Mara got for Christmas and take a picture of them.

Tuesday, December 29

We went with Diane, Daddy, Lori, Mikey, and Lani to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie today. Mara wouldn't go near the figures at the front of the theater, so I had to settle for one with her cousins. When we came out of the movie, it was snowing – for the third time this December!

Wednesday, December 30

We were really late this year mailing out our Christmas cards, but at least we finally got them in the mail today.

Family Time

Saturday, December 26

Mara stayed with Lani Christmas night, and the two of them spent most of the next day playing in their Christmas PJs.

Sunday, December 27

Robert was able to get leave from the Navy so he could come home for Christmas, and we went to the airport to say good-bye to him this morning. He still has some training left, but we should be able to see him again when he's done around May.

And a White Christmas Too

Santa was very good to Mara this year. I guess he really liked the cookies and eggnog she left out for him on Christmas Eve. He even left a couple of things in the baby's stocking. Mara enjoyed playing with the presents that Santa left for her while waiting for us to get breakfast in the oven. We then settled down to open our gifts. One of Mara's gifts from us was a media player that she listened to off and on throughout the day.

After opening our presents at home, we went out to play in the snow for a little bit. It didn't last too long, though, since Mara slipped on the ice and bruised her bottom. She did get to enjoy the snow some and decided she really doesn't like ice. :)

We then headed over to Mike & Myra's house to celebrate Christmas with my family. Mara had a lot of fun playing with her new toys and cousins.

Overall, it was a really nice white Christmas. It's hard to believe that we'll have another child next Christmas.

White Christmas Eve

I never really thought it would happen, but we managed to get a white Christmas Eve this year. Mara and I spent part of the day baking, so we were able to watch out the back windows when the rain turned to snow.

Since it was so cold outside, we decided to light a fire in the fireplace. It made for a nice backdrop while Mara opened her traditional Christmas PJs and socks.

Before we went to bed, we set out a tray of goodies that we made for Santa and his reindeer. Mara also insisted on leaving him a glass of eggnog instead of milk.

Early Christmas

Monday, December 21

Mara was being her silly self while John and I tried to pick up around the house tonight. She put on her ruby slippers from her Halloween costume and was dancing on her bare bed because we were washing her sheets.

Tuesday, December 22

We celebrated Christmas with John's family today. It was nice to be able to spend some time with them and enjoy a good dinner with them.

Wednesday, December 23

Mara spent time tonight playing with her presents from yesterday's Christmas. Strawberry Shortcake was able to take a world tour on her motor bike. She had a red Rudolph nose courtesy of her teachers at school.

Christmas Card & Newsletter

As always, it seems like we're running late getting our Christmas cards and newsletters out this year. As it is, we have our cards but we haven't put them in the mail yet. And sadly, I don't know if they'll go out before Christmas. But here they are for your enjoyment. :)

The Week Before Christmas...

Monday, December 14

Mara loves playing with her Playmobil Nativity set and the things she's gotten so far in her advent calendar. She has them both set up side by side on the coffee table and all characters intermingle.

Tuesday, December 15

We had our Secret Santa at my work today, and I received a game for the DS. I really look forward to being able to play it.

Wednesday, December 16

John fixed an "impossibly easy cheeseburger pie" for our dinner tonight, and it really hit the spot.

Thursday, December 17

Brownie loves to cuddle on my lap when it's cold outside. John was able to catch her rubbing her head against my belly and the baby tonight.

Friday, December 18

Today was the Christmas party at Mara's school. They made their own pizzas using Texas toast. I wasn't going to go initially, but Mara asked me to be there and I was glad I went. That night, we met Mike and family, Diane, and my dad at Frisco Fire Safety Town. The kids had a lot of fun running around and enjoying the Christmas activities.

Saturday, December 19

I ordered some jingle bell ornaments from Oriental Trading this year, and Mara and I assembled them tonight. Puck is very interested in the ornaments since they are made from two of his favorite toys – jingle bells and pipe cleaners.

Sunday, December 20

I am officially 28 weeks today and now in the last trimester of this pregnancy. I'm pretty sure I've said it before, but this pregnancy is just flying by. Speaking of flying, Mara and I ventured out to Allen today so she could see the reindeer they have up there. She really enjoyed petting them and feeling their "ant-leers" as she calls them. :)