Merry Christmas (again)

Today was our Christmas at the lake. When we loaded the car to come home, it looked like we had been gone a week!

I have no idea what could be under here.

But it was just what we wanted! Kenna bathed her baby and put her to bed several times after we got home tonight.

Bella is being silly with Aunt Ali.

Christmas with Aunt Laura

Tonight was our annual Christmas at Aunt Laura's. We usually have it on Christmas Eve, but had to postpone due to mutal illness. You cannot see the floor under the tree though the presents which are ALL for Bella and Kenna. Thank you Laura for all you do for us!

On the way to Aunt Laura's house.

Someone is excited.

Someone else is not. haha.

Playing with their stuff and waiting on the mexican food.

Laura helping Kenna open one of her gazillion presents.

Kenna said "I ready to eat."

In case you didn't know, this is what a bug looks like just after it hits the windshield.

(a Grandpa original)

And these are a few pictures I took today playing around with the features on my new camera. Kenna posed for me while Bella and Daddy went to see Alvin & the Chipmunks the Squeakquel. We had to keep that under wraps. Kenna likes 'Albin & the Minkmonks' too.

Santa & Christmas Day at G. & Pappa's

Santa did everything right this year, and Bella was very happy with what he brought her. She asked for a Barbie that you could change the hair color. By 2pm that afternoon, she had convinced me to streak her hair like the barbie's. Complete with blue eyeshadow, she was feeling like quite the diva.

We spent Christmas Day at G. and Pappa's. The food was so good (as always) and we had a great visit. Now Kenna is all about opening presents, and she is a pro. G. and Pappa got the girls each a small gift, and then gave us the cash to purchase a new swing set for the backyard. We start the search tomorrow!

I know G. will want a copy of this one. Let me know what size.

This is Kenna's new crawling baby from G. and Pappa that she named Baby Aidan. Gee, wonder where she got that name? (and that shirt and jeans)

She loved the swing. I caught her expression just as it started thanks to my fancy pants camera!

Cuteness Counts

Sometimes it's just best to let it be said. (And yes, that is a bruise on her head from where she tripped over her own feet. She is my child, you know.)

Here are a few pictures of the girls baking and decorating cookies for Santa. He is visiting us tonight, so they will have time to play with their presents all day tomorrow before we head out to 2 family functions on Friday and Saturday.
There are probably a few people looking at this who can't believe that I would allow such a mess. Things change.

Finally, I capture the REAL Kenna Grace.

I was a very good girl this year, and Santa brought me a Nikon D5000 camera with an extra fancy zoom lens. These pictures are from my new camera!!!

Maybe Next Year...

When I get the camera out, Bella poses for me and blows kisses, while Kenna runs the other way. It's really tough to get any of them together. There is a lady in Cypress that recently did some great pictures of our friend Kellie's family. I am hoping maybe she can do some of our whole family next Spring.

A Fun Friday

Last Friday we had some fun pottery painting with our friends. Bella painted a switchplate for her room, a small kitty, and Kenna and I painted candy cane ornaments. They send them off to be fired and we can pick them up in a few weeks. Grandma is helping Kenna paint her ornament, which turned out a lovely shade of gray once she was done painting it pink and green. You can see Bella's blue switchplate in the background.

After painting, we headed to the lake since Daddy went hunting with Uncle James. Bella and Grandpa made a Gingerbread Train. (They were out of Gingerbread Houses)

Before the boys left for their trip. Kenna was not feeling like being photographed, but you should hear her say 'Unc James'. It's too cute.

Check out the Griswold Family Christmas tree.

Bella & Grandpa working on the Gingerbread Train.

Proud of their accomplishments. Kenna helped too. She was busy eating the icing off the tablecloth.

Bella's Christmas Party & Santa's Wonderland

Today was Bella's last day of school for the holidays. She had her Christmas party which was fun (and loud). The class took a picture with Santa, and made a special snack and craft. Grandma got to join in the fun which made it even more special for Bella.

The little blonde sitting beside Bella is Emma. I think she is what you would call Bella's 'best friend' in the class. Bella talks about her all the time.



This evening we visited Santa's Wonderland which is in College Station. After we drove through the lights, we parked and went into "Santa's Town". It was the coolest thing ever with several shops, a petting zoo, and live music. They had a stage with lights you could pose for a picture on. Kenna loved the stage so much, she did not want to leave. Each time we made her get off the stage she said, "Kenna's turn again." She's a born performer.

She has started carrying this purse everywhere she goes. Inside is chapstick and an empty chocolate milk bottle from McDonalds. Necessities!

Bella and Kenna with Marshall Frosty. I messed up the setting on my camera just before this picture, so the flash would not come on. Bella has her arm around Kenna. You can see it if you look close.

Thank you Uncle Charles for the sleeping bags! They are both enjoying them. Bella is sleeping in hers tonight on the floor in her room.

Since I have trouble taking pictures at night without blurring them, I just shot a short little video to show how pretty the lights were at Santa's Wonderland!

Kenna's 2 Year Stats & Bella's Dance Christmas Party

I took Kenna to the doctor today for her 2 year check-up. She weighs 26 lbs and is 34 inches tall. That puts her at 42% for weight and 66% for height. (so she is tall and skinny) Her BMI is 38% which is great. Dr. Chen asked if Kenna eats vegetables, and she said "no vegables". (Maybe Aunt Ali can work on her.) All in all, she is a very healthy little 2 year old who needs to eat her peas.

A few fun facts about Kenna:

*She is 95% pottey trained and will wear only Elmo panties.

*She is learning to put on her own shirt and can already put her pants and socks on by herself.

*She communicates very well with us in 2 and 3 word sentences. I can understand her 99% of the time.

*When she doesn't get her way, she says "Peas Mommy" (please mommy). When she still doesn't get her way, she throws herself on the floor in typical 2 year old fashion.

*She is stubborn as they come....not sure where she gets that.

*She will attend preschool 2 days a week in 8 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days. (but I'm not counting)

This picture makes me think of some type of modern art. Bella dressed her, held this "artwork" she made over Kenna's head, and said "Take our picture, mommy".





Bella's Dance Christmas Party


Before we left the house. Ms. Margo said they could wear something 'festive'. Bella went all out with the sparkly tights and leotard. See how happy she is. She LOVES dance and Ms. Margo.


And here is Bella with Ms. Margo. She is the best. She announced tonight that the girls voted on three songs to use for the recital, and they decided on "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun". It should be cute!



This is Bella's class. The little girl in the purple is named Bella too.

Their class had a book exchange. We got Fancy Nancy.

And here is a little conversation we had while I was putting her hair up for class tonight:

Bella: "Mommy, I made you something at school."

Me: "You did? What is it?"

Bella: "I can't tell you. But it has wings and glitter and we made it out of dough."

Me: "I can't wait to see it."

Bella: "And you put it on the tree. But, I can't tell you what it is."