Snow!

This was the first snow of the year on December 2.  We stayed inside where it was nice and warm.  I don't even know if Ellie and Gracelyn even noticed it was snowing.

Second snow of the year on Christmas Eve.  We ran outside real fast to get a couple of pictures.  Fortunately, the house was blocking most of the wind because it was blowing very hard.  The girls were only mildly curious.  I think they liked being outside where it was so cold as much as they liked the snow.

Santa Claus

Ellie & Gracelyn are wondering who the big guy in the silly hat is!

We didn't ever get any real smiles, but at least there weren't any tears!

Here are some pictures of the first time Ellie and Gracelyn met Santa.  They were still in the NICU and Santa and Mrs. Claus visited every single baby there.  Santa sure is a selfless guy! 

Ellie's nurse wrapped her up and let Santa hold her. 

Gracelyn looks so teeny tiny.  I can't believe that was just a year ago!

First Glimpse of a Christmas Tree

I put up our Christmas tree one night after Ellie and Gracelyn went to bed.  It was plugged in and waiting for them when the got up the next morning.  Here are their reactions....

Ellie isn't sure what to think.

Gracelyn is super excited!

In the morning, Ellie got up first.  She looked around for a while, but she soon got comfortable and wanted to touch everything!  By the time Gracelyn got up, Ellie was going after all the ornaments.  Gracelyn sure did get a kick out of it!  Both girls are very good about being gentle with the tree, lights, and ornaments.  (I did make sure to put all the glass ornaments out of reach.)

GREAT afternoon!

We were supposed to got a football game on Saturday.  We were all packed up half way there when Dave remembered our tickets were in his truck at home.  We were already running late so we decided to skip the game.  Instead, we went to the park.  This was Ellie and Gracelyn's first time at the park.  They loved it and have been asking to go back soon! ;)  It was a beautiful day.  The temperature was very nice, just a little breezy.

Dave with his girls

Ellie on left, Gracelyn on right

Having fun swinging.

Gracelyn on left, Ellie on right

Me and my sweet girls!!

Ellie looking at the sky!

Gracelyn happy as can be!

Gracelyn and I had just slid down the slide.  She wasn't too sure about it.

Dave took Ellie on the big twisty slide.  Looks like he had more fun than she did!!

This is probably my favorite picture from the afternoon.  It completely captures Gracelyn's inquisitive personality!

Sweet Ellie talking away!

We were a little disappointed in missing the football game, but ended up having such a great afternoon to make up for it!!