Holiday Open House

The kids at Miranda's school were more more involved in this year's performance than last year's.   The kids were supposed to keep the song choices a secret, but we pretty much knew by her constant practicing.  Beware, the cuteness is hard to handle.

A December to Remember

We had a busy month in December. We attended three Christmas parties, two in one night, and celebrated my grandmother's 90th birthday.

Grandpa Dave came in for the party and Miranda enjoyed sharing breakfast tacos with him.

Us with my sisters, mom, and the birthday girl.

Miranda's school hosted a holiday open house where the kids "performed" several holiday songs then handed out gifts to the parents which turned out to be adorable hand made ornaments. It was short, but sweet, and the best part is at the end if you decide to click on the video below.

Then Miranda had four days of presents. We started by spending Christmas Eve with the McBurney's in Austin where Miranda wanted to sit on the stairs and look at the tree all night. Presents and a pancake dinner (with her favorite bacon) pulled her away for a few minutes.


We had a great brunch and a pile of presents with my family on Christmas morning before Ben's parents arrived Christmas night. We opened presents with them the day after Christmas, and opened presents from my extended family the day after that.

On the fifth day Miranda was a little disappointed that there weren't more presents, but she was quickly distracted by her activities with Gramma Paula and Grandpa Hey Dude.

We went to the playground.

We went to Sea World to see "Shampoo" and her favorite, the Beluga whales.

Miranda and Gramma made cookies.

Miranda made a pirate boat with Gramma and Grandpa.

And there was book reading, walk taking and lots and lots of eating. A good time was had by all, and I was so exhausted after such an exciting month that on New Years Eve, I fell asleep with Miranda around 8:30, waking only briefly to move to the couch and eat some cookies. Happy New Year!

Xmas card rejects

Over the last few weekends we've been trying to get an awesomely cute picture of Miranda for our Christmas cards. Here are the ones that didn't make the cut.

Happy New Year!

We had a fun and festive holiday season this year. Miranda opened presents for four days in a row and was a little overwhelmed by the last day. Now she is just enjoying all her new toys and Ben and I are trying to get the house back in shape.

What can't I be Santa Claus?

Are you sure I'm supposed to put them on? I want to take them off!

Reading in our Christmas PJs

What's this hot chocolate? I don't think so!

Helping Mama with the blueberry scones.

Farm Animals!