At the park!

We took these pictures at the park before we took Hallie's pictures for Christmas. She loves playing at the park...She LOVES the outdoors!

Hallie being goofy in the car one night....

Merry Christmas...

I am so happy that as of last night I am pretty sure my computer is functioning well enough to upload all of my pictures! We still have many issues to sort out with it though. I SOOO wish I was more technologically advanced.

I am so excited for Christmas this year...I love all that this season brings...Joy, laughter, food, family, friends and so much more. This year is different though. I now have an almost 2 year old who is thoroughly enjoying all that Christmas brings as well. She loves the lights, our tree, all the presents, her stocking and Santa! She knows that Santa will be filling her stocking with toys...she looks in it every day and then looks at me with a puzzled look and says, "Santa? Toys?" I love her interest in all the worldly things that Christmas brings...
However, it is her infatuation with our nativity scene that gets me. Her favorite part of the nativity is baby Jesus. She just loves to find him and hold and talk to him. We have talked about the real meaning of Christmas with her and would love to say that she totally gets it but it is still hard for her to grasp! I think we will sing Happy Birthday to Jesus tomorrow so that she knows who all the celebrating is about! I am in awe of the miracle of Jesus birth and am so thankful that I know the true meaning of Christmas. My heart is full as I think of adding another sweet little girl to our Christmas next year (and I am especially thankful for Mary as I am so close to the birth of baby number 2)! Merry Christmas Hallie! I love you so much!

Bath time!

My wonderful husband needs to fix our computer. I can't seem to upload my new pictures! Oh well soon enough! Here are a couple my sister took of Hallie and Landon during a bath!

SNOW!

Jon was getting Hallie ready to leave and we got our first SNOW for the year! She looked outside and said, "Snow Daddy!" She then proceeded to say, "Mess!" She was pointing at the big, white, powdery mess that dumped all over our yard! I can't believe the stuff she comes up with!

There is a first time for everything...

I can't believe I am actually saying this but last night was our very first over night without Hallie! I can't believe it took almost two years to do this!! We had a late night at Uncle Nick's Madrigal Dinner and decided to let her stay the night at Mimi and Papa Vanders! She did great!! She slept with Auntie Allie...I guess Hallie tosses and turns all night and talks in her sleep ("mama mama")! Poor Allie didn't sleep great but Hallie did! I think this was long overdue but I also love our moments at bedtime and mornings together...it is hard to miss out on them even if it is only one night!

Little Moments...

I am so excited to have another baby girl...I am looking forward to the bond that Hallie and the new baby will share. However, I am soaking up these last few moments of my life with just Hallie. We have had such a fun week...we played at the park Tuesday (it was 60 degrees), we went to the play place for a play date with Clayton, Ryk and Thayer on Wednesday, and today we went to the mall to visit Santa! Hallie loved the Christmas trees and displays-she get's so excited about the lights! She was kind of shy with Santa but did give him a BIG high-five and hug! She is such a little buddy! We went and had lunch with Daddy afterward (We ate Mexican-Hallie's favorite: Rice and Beans)! On the drive home she conked out...I love looking back at her while she is sleeping in her car seat. She gets in such a deep sleep- I don't think anything would wake her up! Awww sweet girl...we will soon be house bound for at least a few weeks...but you will stay busy kissing baby and helping momma! I love you Hallie Kate! You always make my day!

Last one!

And some more...

Christmas Card Pics

Here are some pictures we took today for our Christmas card. It was such a gorgeous day!