Christmas Morning

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Christmas Eve

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Clara's Preschool Christmas Party

Clara was so excited for her preschool party especially since parents were invited to join them. Though very informal, it was fun to see her in her school environment and with her friends.

O Christmas Tree

 Setting up the tree was fun but a little hectic with a three year old acting director and an 8 month old crawler.

 Clara was very excited to help put the angel on the tree.

 Meghan kept herself amused with - what else? - a box.

 The finished product - new this year... a red and silver ribbon twist.

Just had to throw this one in... she's so happy after her bath and whenever Clara is around!

Middleburg Tree Farm

 We set out on Saturday, Dec. 11 to cut down our own tree. After a long drive, Clara was ready with the map to head towards the Norway Spruce areas.

 Meghan was cozy all snuggled up and enjoyed the fresh air.

 We decided on a beautiful Douglas Fir instead of the spruce. Clara and Chris set right to work .

 Success!

 A careful measure to make sure it will fit in the house.

The farm was quite large, so Clara's little legs were spent after trudging up and down the hills. Daddy was the hero pulling the tree and carrying Clara.

We'll share pictures of the finished product soon! 

Visit with Santa

 Clara prepares her letter for Santa.

 She wrote her list (Alphie the Robot, bicycle, helmet, Snow White dress, and zhu zhu pets) and Santa's name!

 Mailing the letter at Macy's before seeing him in person.

 A family picture was a welcome distraction during the 2.5 hour wait.

 It's almost our turn!

 Meghan was such a good girl!

Clara was nervous, but Santa gave her lots of time and they had a great conversation about Disney princesses. He said Clara had been a good girl. Meghan actually smiled a whole bunch because of the ringing bells and Mommy's silly antics, but this was the best picture. At least Mommy and Daddy were on the sidelines this year!

Thanks Shutterfly!

I am so excited about getting our holiday cards this year from Shutterfly! We have used other companies in the past, but I have really enjoyed some products recently that I have ordered from their company. Their customer service was very positive and the product turned out great! Shutterfly has a great selection of cards that are high quality at a low cost! There are so many to choose from it's going to be hard to pick one!! I love that with this year's card we can send a classy design to our friends and family showing off some highlights of our year. You can go here to check them out:
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards

The past few years we have made photo books as gifts.  Once I selected all the photos, it was so easy! I simply dropped the pictures right in the format and typed in my captions where necessary. The books are beautiful!  They are a great gift for grandparents, aunts, uncles or even to just have as a keepsake of a special memory or milestone. Again, the price is right! There are always valuable coupons sent through email and deals so what better way to share a special gift then with pictures! You can use this link to check them out: http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books/simple-path

I also like the calendar creator feature. What better way to combine our busy lifestyle, my need for organization, and my love of pictures. If you’re interested in making a calendar, you can try this link to check it out: http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars

Happy Picture Taking!

Halloween Preview

 Once upon a time there was a little flower soaking up the sun in the forest.

 The little flower spied a young girl on her way to Grandma's house.

 Little Red Riding Hood Clara offered the flower some treats from her basket when suddenly...

 "Oh no!" she cried, "The wicked wolf is coming!"

 She turned to the sound in the wood, and scared that wicked wolf away.

The Little Red Riding Hood Clara decided she'd be safer at school.

Clara was so entertaining as I took these pictures! She wanted to act out the whole story. Our poor little flower cut her first tooth that morning, so her smiles were less frequent.

We're looking forward to Halloween; Clara has been practicing what to say, and it usually goes like this,

"Trick or Treating..."

"Thank you and Happy Halloween!"

(Last year it was "Happy Trickerween")

Great Country Farms

 Clara had fun spinning, tossing, and jumping through the hula-hoops.

 Meghan loved taking in the fresh air and watching Clara who is always entertaining.

 Clara rode her hobby horse away from the pursuit of Meghan.

 The highlight of the day for Clara was meeting the Pumpkin Princess who arrived in her pumpkin coach escorted by her dashing footman.

 It was Western weekend, so Clara decorated a cactus with all of the family's favorite colors.

Meghan at 6 months.

October Around the House

Johnson's Farm NJ

 On the hayride out to the pumpkin patch

 Clara is a loving and responsible big sister!

We definitely thought this one was the cutest pumpkin around!

September Birthdays

 Clara grabbed exactly 30 candles out of the drawer for Mommy's cake.

 Daddy's cake had peanut butter cups and one more candle than earlier that month.

These two girls LOVE their Daddy!