Santa Claus

 This was the scene on our way to see Santa. We picked Audra up from school and met Jamie out in Burlington. We figured before dinner would be a good time to see Santa and avoid the weekend crazy lineup. I should have known that these naps may not lead to happy children. 

 Sadly the best picture out of 10-15 they took. Eleanor was not a fan of Santa and Audra played shy. A far cry from last years picture.

 The tears dried up pretty quick once we left the man in the red suit. And Audra was so excited to ride the merry go round. Eleanor enjoyed herself too. Too bad my phone didn't get the best pictures. They were big smiles of joy and happiness, compared to the Santa picture.

 We also went to a Santa breakfast, put on by the Flamborough Kins club, out in Millgrove. We brought a big bag of food donations and had a blast. The breakfast was fantastic. There were crafts and pictures with Santa (another flop, no smiles, more tears). They each got to decorate a frame for their Santa pictures.Made ornaments and decorated cookies.

It was a great morning and I for one, am looking forward to doing it again next year. It was a new tradition for us, and one that I would like to continue. It was great to be able to donate, and help some families out for christmas.

Christmas

 Giant family christmas cookie, made by our resident family baker. We had a great christmas eve at the Miller's. So great that I didn't get to taking many pictures. Lots of presents and the girls were of course spoiled rotten!

 Santa came!

 Christmas morning, bright and early.

 Everyone opening presents.

 Eleanor got into the swing of things. She even handed over the wrapping paper without eating it. lol

Audra was soooo excited. Santa did very well this year, and she squeaked and squealed over pretty much every present. Yay. 

 Even Gwen got into the action and was quite excited to see what was in her stocking and wrapped up for her.

Jamie was sick as a dog christmas morning and after opening presents went to back to bed. The girls and I had fun playing with the new toys and having a good family day. Later that night, Jamie felt better, and I felt like crap. Was not a fun day or two in our house, but the girls had a blast and I think had a great christmas. That's what it's all about now.

December

 How cute is someone sitting in a big girl seat? How is she getting so big?

 Snow, this seemed to be a constant sight. We had the big ice storm, that wrecked havoc all around us. Thankfully our trees made it out ok. No major damage.

 December 1st saw the return of our Elf. Audra named her Jingle. Pretty good little girl. Very appropriate. Jingle also brought a tote of books, winter and holiday themed all wrapped up, and that was our advent calendar per say. Every night we opened a new book to read at bedtime. I love this tradition.

 Jingle had lots of fun this year. For the most part we were on the ball, and remembered her daily move.

 Finally able to pull out Christmas socks. And finally fitting someone's little feet. Goodness this second child has little feet.

 Being a little monkey, as per usual.

 Jingle creating some mischief.

 But being a good elf, she cleaned it up the next day. (Audra loved this one!)

 Pretty much the only crafting and creating I did in December. I made all the little girls felt flower headbands to put in their loot bags for Audra's party.

 Fully decorated and ready for Christmas.

 Another Audra favourite.

 Cute little christmas outfit. It barely fit her, but she was cute for the half day she wore it. lol.

 Jingle hanging out.

 Audra's christmas concert at school. Not the best picture unfortunately.

Last bit of mischief from Jingle.
December just kinda flew by. We were all sick at some point. Colds, bronchitis, stomach flu, you name it. We had it. Christmas break came and Audra really didn't understand why she wasn't going to school. It was pretty cute. Give her time and she will definitely look forward to christmas break.

The happiest of 4th Birthdays

 December rolled around and there was one very excited little girl in the house. It was finally birthday month.  We decided to split up the big celebration. We did our family and few close friends party at the beginning of the month. We went to Yogurty's, a frozen yogurt place up in Waterdown. It was a great time to hold the party as the place was dead. Yay for December.

 The party girl all ready to go.

 The gorgeous Lalaoopsie cake, as specifically requested by the birthday girl. Aunt Nickey, as always, did a stellar job.

 Everyone having fun, eating their frozen yogurt and hanging out.

 Someone was very excited for marshmallows in her yogurt!

 Audra very excited when everyone sang happy birthday.

 Lots of presents to open, spoiled girl!

 Everyone had a great Sunday afternoon. We had fun celebrating this special little girl. December always seems so far away for birthdays for her. So we make sure to celebrate and let her know how special her birthday is, no matter how close to christmas it is.

 December 23rd rolled around and we celebrated again, just at home, the four of us. Audra was of course excited to open more presents.

 Got her the cutest little strawberry cake, that we put a candle on and re-used the cake topper.

 Audra's fourth birthday(s) were both successful and I think she had great days.

 The happiest of birthdays to my sweet first born. Crazy to think how fast these four years have flown by. I remember stomping around the house saying you were early, you weren't supposed to come before christmas, we had a deal. But like I've learned through these years, you are stubborn like your mom and dad. You can be shy and quiet and a little uncertain in new situations. But you warm up to people and are so sweet and caring. You are rough and gentle all at the same time. You love your sister even if she drives you crazy. Some day you will be good playmates. At this point, you have to deal with her nonsense. You love your Lalaloopsie dolls, Barbies, paper and crayons (just like mom) and any books that cross your path. Your favourite colours are pink and purple.You love to dress up and play pretend. You can be a little bossy at times (hmm guess that's a first born kinda trait) and mildly demanding when we play. But you are so creative and we love hearing about your day and all that you did. You enjoy school and don't grumble too much about going. You love ballet and dancing around. You have gotten so tall lately. Already wearing size 5/6 stuff. Wow, how did that happen my tiny little 5lb2oz peanut? Audra, stay sweet and loving, and always remember you are so loved by everyone. Happy 4th birthday, here's to so many more ahead! xo