McGee Christmas Card 2011

My favorite thing in December is going to our mailbox and seeing cards and pictures of all of the people in our lives that we LOVE. Since our first Christmas as a married couple, Jon and I have sent out a photo Christmas card. I have all of the Christmas cards we have sent out over the years in a small book that we bring out each December. It is a great way to ensure that we have at least one family picture taken with all of us together each year. I love flipping through the book and seeing how our family has grown. The four people standing with me in this picture are the most treasured people in my life.

Christmas House

Before we got any of our Christmas things out the girls kept begging us to "make our house a christmas house." I thought that was such a cute way to put it. I've tried my best to make it feel magical in here for them. My favorite Christmas decorations: The fresh garlands, wreaths, satin ribbons and of course these reindeer pillows.

( how cute is my sweet little lily peeking through the banister...)

White Christmas

I had white linen stockings made for us this year. By next year I hope to have everyone's initials embroidered in them as well. I was worried the girls would miss their other stockings this year but the minute they saw these they were happy. I'm getting excited to see their faces on Christmas morning. There's nothing better than Christmas Morning with little kids. Nothing.

I spy with my little eye...

Santa!

Look Who's 5!

Today is my Gwennie's 5th Birthday. She had a Christmas performance at preschool which was fun and then when we were driving home I told her that the Birthday Fairy had visited our home. She could barely sit still she was so excited in the car. I put balloons, our birthday banner, a little pink stuffed elephant, and 2 coloring books out. It was so simple but she was BEYOND excited when she walked in the house. Her birthday crown from school today is my favorite part. Tonight for dinner she got to have a daddy-daughter date. We told her she could choose any place she wanted to go. She quickly said, "I want to go to the cake store that has stuffed animals". I was stumped. Jon figured it out...The Cheesecake Factory. She always admires those little teddy bears in the glass case in the front of the restaurant. Very Cute.

I have a feeling Jon may let her choose one tonight.

I love you my sweet, funny, smart and beautiful little girl.

Happy 5th Birthday, Gwen!!

Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving we met up with my sister Megan and her family. Where did we meet...? In Riverside of all places. My sister told me to "trust her" and I am so glad I did! We stayed at one of the most amazing hotels. It is called The Mission Inn and it is BEAUTIFUL. It's a converted monastery and around the holidays the decorations and lights they put up can not be beat.

There was a big lighting ceremony complete with fireworks, it "snowed" each night through the hallways, and there was santa and his sleigh. This added together with my girls getting to be with their cousins = heaven. I also got to be with my sister, Megan which was my favorite part. It was a very Happy Thanksgiving.