Christmas songs...

Are constantly in my head. I even heard Rachel singing, "silver bells...santa claus is coming to town...dashing through the snow..." all in the same breath.

Picture the kind and gentle Joseph, picture the mother Mary, fair
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh...it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
Have a holly jolly christmas, it's the best time of the year. I don't know if there'll be snow but have a cup of cheer
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The fire is slowly dying, and my dear we're still goodbying

My Sugar Plum Fairy

Rachel's Christmas dance recital was last night. She was a little more timid this year...I think she was more concerned about trying to find us in the audience. But I love her first position and she's just so cute.

Christmas time

We've had our tree up for a week and all the ornaments that were on the bottom half are now sitting on the mantel waiting to be fixed. It's a sad looking tree, but I sure LOVE the smell. Rachel wakes up every morning and goes to turn the lights on.
On Friday we didn't have much to do so we went to the mall. Rachel was so excited to see Santa. When she got on his lap and he asked her what she wants for Christmas, she told him "a bell" (like the Polar Express I guess). She has asked me about a million questions about Santa. One of my favorites, "Mom, does Santa have a family?"Tommy's not too sure about him...he made sure to keep his distance.
Grandma sent us a wonderful Christmas package with books, pjs and these winter coats. Just in time too!! It is freezing here right now.
Yesterday we went to a free Christmas event and got hot chocolate, cider, smoothies, popcorn, photobooth pictures, ornament crafts and another chance to see Santa. Poor Tommy is so scared, it's so cute.
We went to see "Gingerbread Lane" at a hotel across the street from the shopping center. There were some really neat houses. I had to post a few.
This one was my favorite :)

Getting along

There are times when I can't leave these two alone in the same room together. A couple days ago they played "doll house" quietly in Rachel's room for quite a long time. It was bliss! Tonight they were really making each other laugh. I just love watching them interact and get along.

Eating their peas