Christmas 2014

We went to Bernie the weekend before Christmas and this is the only photo I have.  I blame it on constantly chasing Laynie to make sure she isn't eating something she shouldn't or falling down the stairs!

At least one of the girls was sick from Thanksgiving through Christmas.  That made for a VERY hard Christmas.  James and I were up way too late on Christmas Eve trying to make it all happen.  And I think I averaged 4 hours of sleep per night for about 3 weeks.  It stunk.  And I am SO glad it is over.  I know I set the stage in this house for how magical Christmas is for the girls and I put on a really good front, but I was worn out.  Here are my sick babies.  It breaks my heart.

And here is Lou bird one morning in my bed.  She loves to wake up in Momma's bed.

Both girls loved Santa.  Well, kind of.  Marlee loved him.  She was talking to him before I could even get Laynie out of the stroller.  Laynie, not so much.  She is only smiling in this picture because I am sitting beside her and Dada is behind the camera. ;)

I absolutely LOVED our Christmas card this year.  We had several people ask if it was taken on our property.  Ha!  I wish!

For the first time ever, we decided to stay home on Christmas Eve.  It was definitely weird going to church as just a family of four.  But, it was nice to be at our own church.  And, it was great to start our own traditions.

Candlelight service was interresting.  We found out they had childcare and we were Thankful for that.  Laynie was over it.  Marlee did really well and even turned to James while we were singing "Away in the Manger" and said, "I love you Dada.  Happy Christmas."  It was the sweetest thing ever.

 Marlee sat out cookies for Santa and Dada read "The Night Before Christmas"

 The girls were so excited Christmas morning.  It takes Laynie awhile to wake up. ;)

 Marlee's favorite toy was a toy that Santa brought for Laynie and Laynie's favorite toy was a wand from Dollar Tree. 

 Santa brought them this Frozen car.  They love to sit in the car and listen to the radio, but Marlee is too scared to drive it.  I think Laynie would drive it if she could reach the pedals.  She is our little daredevil! 

We spent Christmas Day at Ma & Pa's house.  I do not have any pictures from there either.  Again, I was chasing Laynie.  I did steal these from Jami.

 A few nights later was Christmas at Memaw and Papaw's house.  I only took two of these pictures.  The rest I got from Mom. :)  It is hard being out of town!

 Marlee got Frozen skates, which turned out to be her favorite gift.  They have not left her side since she opened them. 

 Marlee and I made chocolate popcorn and she handed it out at Ma & Pa's house and at Memaw and Papaw's house.  She has such a kind heart.

 And last but not least, I love this man more than he will ever know.  And he doesn't read this blog, so he still won't know. ;)  He is the only reason I made it through this Christmas without losing my sanity.

And that is that.  It's a wrap.  Thank goodness.  I am typing this in January and both kiddos have been well for a week (despite Laynie getting all four molars).  I feel like I am finally getting back on track!

Lights on the Square

Our first attempt at lights on the square was with our friends.  Marlee did not cooperate for pictures and Laynie just wanted to run away.  We attempted to get a picture of the kids on the step, but I didn't get one where no one was moving.  I guess that is just how it is with 4 kids under 4!

 And this is all I saw of Laynie the entire time we were out there.  So much to see and do! 

We went back on a Monday night with Mom and Marlee was much more cooperative.  With the exception of one photo on the bench with Memaw, I left Laynie in the stroller this time and that went over much better.

 Marlee rode a pony

 and was all about posing for the camera.

 She said, "take my picture in front of this Razorback." :)

 Laynie just relaxed and enjoyed her stroll around the square. :)

Train Ride with Santa

So, last year we went to Branson to ride the Polar Express.  This year we found out that the AR-MO railroad does their own version of the Polar Express for about half the price.  The train just went from Springdale to Johnson and back, which was perfect because the girls were pretty antsy at the end.  Santa visited with us on the train and carolers sang.  They have another version at night that you ride in your Christmas jammies, but we chose the daytime train so the girls could see out the window.  They LOVED it.

 James wanted a picture with the girls in front of the train.  This is how that went.

Marlee took a picture with me after we told her she could have a sucker if she did.  Whatever works, right?

After the train ride, they had all sorts of activities outside, but we decided it was too cold to partake.  The local firemen were out there too and they let all of the children up in their truck.  Marlee thought that was pretty neat.

 I am fairly certain we will be back next year!

Thanksgiving 2014

We went down to Fort Smith for Thanksgiving, as usual.  We had lunch at Jami's house and dinner at Memaw and Papaw's house.

After lunch at Jami's house, we all went outside for pictures

 Ma brought Marlee's bike over to Jami's and she had a ball riding it around the driveway.

Lou bird had a ball outside, too...just running all over the place and following the basketball while the big boys played.

 Laynie's hands were really cold, so the three of us went inside to watch Frozen.  Laynie actually sat on my lap and watched the entire movie! 

 After lunch at Jami's house, we went over to Memaw and Papaw's house for dinner.  Marlee had a really good time with Josie, as always, and Laynie and Hayes stared each other down a lot.  We were very thankful that Memaw Polly was able to join us.

   We are so very blessed to have such wonderful families.  I thank God every night for all of my blessings.