Make a Smilebox slideshow

'Tis the Season

The Christmas tree hunt is over. We spotted a lovely Grand Fir at the Carnation Tree Farm (hand picked by Emma) and brought it home with us. With seasonal tunes playing in the background, the three of us descended on that poor tree and decorated the heck out of it. Emma thought it was so much fun that she continued to "fix" the decorations the rest of the day. I finally had to tell her that the tree was decorated and she needed to leave it alone. (That comment didn't win me any brownie points, but at least she stopped tinkering.)

Emma "fixing" the decorations on the tree.

Our decorated tree with my special red angel on top.

With fresh snow on the ground, I have to say it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

First Snow of the Year

Emma woke up this morning to snow on the ground. She was so excited to get out there and play that she could hardly wait for Mom and Dad to suck down their morning cup of Joe. But with caffeine in my system and warm clothes bundled around us both, Emma and I left Ian and Ariyana at home while we scoped out our snow-covered neighborhood.

Emma had a blast throwing snowballs at me and wiping snow off of every covered surface she saw.

Emma turns 4

Emma just celebrated her 4th birthday. She had a party at her school on Thursday and got to celebrate with her friends, which made it harder for us to convince her that it wasn't her real birthday. She got very upset with us when we told her that she didn't turn 4 until Saturday.

I set up a little family birthday party on Saturday. In true princess fashion, we had a little tea party. Emma was really ecstatic to see all of her family at the house. She loves to visit with her Grandma, Nana and her aunties.

Of course, Emma's favorite part was opening the presents. She couldn't tear through them fast enough. After her party she told me that she was going to ask Santa for lots of presents for Christmas. Oh boy!

Tea party in full swing.


Emma makes a wish and blows out her candles.


Emma can't wait to dive into her birthday cake.


Emma is very excited to open her Candy Land game.


Ariyana at 2.5 weeks old.