Our sweet blessings! It is because of Him that we have such JOY in these two beautiful girls!
Our advent calendar. Each day had a verse and "activity" to prepare us for Christmas. Some of our activities included reading special books, decorating cookies and delivering them to retired missionaries, our mechanic, etc, crafts, mailing a letter to Grandma, etc. Em really enjoyed it.
First Sunday of Advent. I love the look of anticipation on Emily's face in this picture.
Gabriella Kate's First Christmas! Helping mommy put up the star.
Emily loved decorating the tree.
And the decorating is done! Our two little helpers.
Emily asked to write a letter to Santa.... :)
Decorating our gingerbread house.
Mikulas came on Dec. 6 (Thanks to Katy Beth for providing our special treats from Hungary!).
Ms. Janice brought up some gifts for us. Gabi's first official Christmas gift...
She really just wanted to eat the bow!
We had our first snow just a few days before Christmas. It wasn't much, but Emily enjoyed it for a bit. Sweet Gabi was a little sad that she couldn't go out with her big sister.
Our church had Christmas services on the weekend before Christmas, so we went Saturday night when my parents arrived in town. Here are the girls ready to go.
I love how much they love each other!
Gabi got sick on Saturday night and only wanted mama all week. I had so much to do and so on my back she went...we successfully prepared all the food together!
Emily's big present from Pop and Mimi. It is time to move Emily into a booster seat so we can get ready to move Gabi into her bigger car seat. My mom didn't believe me when I told her that Emily would love a new car seat for Christmas. She was SO excited...and especially loves the cup holders.
Gabi was getting into the unwrapping, though most of it did go in her mouth!
On Sunday my parents took Emily and I to see the Southern Lights display at the KY Horse Park. We had a great time.
Inside the park you have the option to get out and enjoy some fun activities. First we stopped in at the petting zoo and fed some animals. Then, as we were getting ready to leave, Emily announced that she wanted to ride a pony. Ok, well if you know my daughter you know this would come as a huge SHOCK to us all!!! I don't know how many times she has gotten so close to riding a pony or horse but declined at the last minute. I figured this night was like any other. I kept telling my mom not to pay money because I just knew she wouldn't ride and it would be wasted. Well, do you see our big smiles below?! I was so proud of her and she LOVED it!!
Get ready Eszti, she is ready to visit you at the ranch in Hungary! :)
Decorating her gingerbread man.
Christmas Eve family picture.
Trying to keep her entertained while everyone opened presents.
So, note to self, don't let a 3 year old know what gifts you are giving to others! Here is a picture of Emily quietly telling Pop what was in his present. ha. She did it several other times when we gave presents to others. Silly girl.
Below is probably one of my favorite moments this Christmas. During our final advent lighting Viktor was reading the story of Jesus' birth from Luke when Emily went off into the other room. She returned with the angel and Mary. As he continued reading she would run off and get each character that was coming into play. It was so precious! By the end of the story she had set up the whole scene.
The girls giggling in bed on Christmas morning. This happens every morning, but was extra special this Christmas!
Checking out their stockings...
She was so excited about her new Belle nightgown from the Post family. After a couple of days I had to make her take it off so it could be washed. haha.
The Ban family sent two ballet outfits, complete with shoes, for her ballet classes that start next week. I think she is going to love it!
Gabi opening her present from us. She really just loved the bow. We got her a My Pal Violet, which she thinks is pretty funny when it sings to her.
Her biggest gift (notice...going for the bow, again!)....
...was a new swing from the Bans! Emily thinks she needs to share. :)
Decorating Jesus' birthday cake...
The finished product!
And, since it was her 1st Christmas....our sweet Gabriella Kate (still smiling even with a fever and double ear infection...what a trooper!)
