Christmas Fun

I have to admit that we didn't take many pictures this Christmas, as Allyn was working the video camera most of the time instead. I told my sister that this year signified what I had always imagined and hoped Christmas would be like when I was a mother. The girls had such excitement about every aspect of Christmas. We were at home Christmas Eve, and they kept running to the front door yelling "Santa, don't come yet!" as we were still "preparing" the snacks for Santa and the reindeer. I have never seen them jump into bed as quickly and quietly as they did that night since they knew Santa wouldn't come until they were asleep. Christmas Day was fantastic watching them open their gifts, snuggling in our PJs to watch the Disney Christmas parade, and then having a big breakfast. (I think we were ALL in pajamas until well after lunch). Here are a few pictures from our Christmas celebration with Allyn's family when the girls were closing their eyes, awaiting the unveiling of their new doll house:)

My little cheerleaders

Last night we had such a blast taking the girls to the Auburn men's basketball game. With the students being out of town, we were able to grab great seats right on the floor next to the band and right behind the cherleaders. They loved flirting with Aubie and doing their own renditions of the cheers. We even saw some dance moves in the second half once they got a little more comfortable. I love living in a town where there are so many fun things to do as a family. There is nothing better than watching your children have fun! Oh, and did I mention it was quite a task to brush out all of the popcorn remnants from their teeth once we got home???? Oh well, it was worth every kernel!!

I fought the tree and....

I won! Our sunday school teachers were talking about how their biggest fights throughout the years of their marriage have revolved around the Christmas tree. This year Allyn and I were at peace...it was the tree that I was fighting with. We picked out the tree easily and even got it into the stand without any major drama. The girls had a wonderful time unwrapping all the ornaments and lining them up in the floor. The next step was for me to put on the lights. This is where it got hairy. Since Allyn thinks that putting lights on the tree means simply wrapping them around and around until you get to the bottom, I agreed that he was better off sitting on the couch watching t.v. while I took my time getting them exactly how I wanted them. It was pleasant and relaxing until I got to the bottom and realized I had the female end of the plug instead of the male end. Trying to help me not come unglued, Allyn calmly strolled over to investigate the situation. He then pointed out to me that I had started the lights out in the wrong direction all the way at the top on my second strand. UGH!!! You can imagine what happened next....I took all of my perfectly placed lights off and re-strung. Yipee, I made it to the bottom with the right end of the plug. It was showtime. As I plugged them in, Allyn started laughing. Laughing??? I was ready to cry. The middle strand wasn't working. Allyn suggested that I just go on to bed and tackle this project in the morning. Go to sleep now? I think not! I was at war and determined to win no matter how long it took me. Third time was a charm, and I was in business. I won the battle with the tree, though my head didn't hit the pillow until way after midnight. An artificial, pre-lit tree may be on my wish list for next Christmas.