Pancakes in pj's and with Santa!

Annabelle's school has so many wonderful family-oriented events where we are welcomed with open arms. I took off for Annabelle's Christmas party and for Pancakes in PJ's and getting to see Santa. It was fun to get both girls dressed up in their pj's to go to AB's school.

Santa even made a debut and the girls got to sit in his lap.

I love AB's teachers and school. The parties have been so much fun for her, and for me to come and be apart of! Love!

Sweet Friends! Annabelle and Oliva

AB's First Christmas Play 2013

Our sweet girl had her first Christmas play. This Mama's heart could hardly handle all of the excitement leading up to the days of her performance! She was a donkey. Yes, that's right,  I said a donkey in her Christmas play. And you know what? She was the most adorable donkey I'd ever seen. She looked absolutely beautiful.

What a special treat that her best friend, AnnaClaire, was able to come to her play and spend the night that night. They are such sweet friends!

This goes to show you what a crazy, all over the place, sleeper AB is. Poor AC had to find that out for herself.

Scottish Rite

December was a busy month. There were so many Christmas parties and festivities to attend. But it was also time for Landree to have another Scottish Rite visit. Last time we went, they had done x-rays on her hips to determine whether she had hip displasia or not. She didn't, but they would redo the x-rays this time, to see if there were any changes.

No changes. The doctor was pleased with what he saw. He was hoping she would be closer to walking by the next appointment, but was overall pleased with her, seeing at the last visit (six months prior) Landree couldn't even sit up on her own. He was encouraged by that.

He said we would keep an eye on her hips and her feet, which are turned a bit outward, but that if there was no improvement when she was closer to four, we would talk about surgery. Hopefully not, but we will see once we get closer to that time.

Love this beautiful bright-eyed girl.

Welcome Back, Ralphie!

I don't know how he does it, but every year he knows exactly when we are setting up our tree and he returns on that night! Oh boy, was AB excited!

I mean, the joy on this child's face is priceless!!! Seeing Ralphie at our porch makes her Christmas.

Daddy reads the Elf on the Shelf story every year. It's so much fun!

All Things Fall 2013 -- Thanksgiving Edition

As if I didn't already love the fall and Thanksgiving itself, this year, Annabelle was in her first play. She was a pilgrim in her play. And what an adorable little pilgrim she was, with her little basket. Made Mommy and Daddy very proud!

Preschool has been the BEST thing for her this year. Her teachers are wonderful and I love the social interaction she's had with the sweet friends she's made. This will serve her well in Kindergarten.

Annabelle and her "best" friend, Zachary.

So much fun spending the afternoon with her girl at her school. After her play we stayed for the Thanksgiving feast.

I brought home several Thanksgiving crafts for the girls to do over the break. I thought it would be fun to do one a day and teach them about the first Thanksgiving. Fun was had by all!

Well. Almost all. Landree got tired of the coloring real quick.

But AB is at the age where it was a blast for her. Preschool has also really helped her with her fine motor and I've seen a huge improvement in her handwriting and work!

This is Annabelle's Thanksgiving outfit I had made for her this year. 

I was super proud of Landree. I did Thanksgiving shopping with BOTH girls this year at Wal-Mart. As much of a beating as that was, the girls were amazing little shoppers and this was LC's first time to sit in a grocery cart for an extended period of time. She did wonderful! It wore her out, but as always, she was a trooper.

Of course, we couldn't make it through the break without an ear infection. Landree came down with one over the break. At least I got a cute shot out of it!

Thanksgiving night was fun with the cousins. Baby Jerzee isn't pictured (neither is Zoe), but now there are five cousins! Six, when Zoe gets here! So excited to add to the group.

These two little turkeys had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving break. So blessed I get a whole week to spend it with them. 

Another Milestone

We went out for breakfast one morning to one of my FAVORITE places - Barbec's in Dallas. It's a little crowded and didn't want to mess with the umbrella stroller. So, we thought we would try to put her in a high chair at the table with us. 

SUCCESS!

She even busted out with some crayons and colored while we waited for our food, too! So proud of her! 

Sweet girl making huge leaps! Love her!

All Things Fall 2013 -- Halloween Edition

Fall is in the air!! My favorite time of year! Oh, and how it keeps getting more fun each year! Crazy to think there will be another Aldrich sister with us next year! So, we will have to buy THREE matching Halloween shirts and bows next year, instead of just two!!

FBC Garland's Fall Festival is a part of our fall/Halloween festivities. Miss AB got brave this year and tried the pony ride for the first time. So proud of her {although, take note of the tight grip on Daddy's shirt}. 

Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch was less exciting than last years. Which is a good thing because last year Landree threw up all over me when we got there. Not to mention, look at that big girl sit up!!!! 

I took a day off work to volunteer for AB's Halloween carnival and party. So much fun!!! Love being a mom and getting to spend these fun days with her! 

Halloween night was spent at our church's trunk or treat. Love spending time with our faith family on this night. My little witch and peacock were very excited about it!