The "Real" Visit with Santa

After our terrible experience with Addison visiting Santa a couple of weeks ago, I was very apprehensive about the "real" visit with Santa. You know, the one where I dress them up real cute and try to get a precious photo.

Well, I found out that I had every reason to worry!

The girls had donned their cute, Christmas attire and they were pumped to go see Santa (aka-Ho-Ho). Then we walked up to him.

Audrey jumped right up on his lap and Addison began screaming "No, Mama, No, Mama" while climbing all the way up my body to my head. Not exactly working like I wanted it to.

Then sweet Santa suggested that we just make it a family photo. PERFECT! Addison sat on my lap and waved at Santa. Corey scooted in on the other side. And Audrey shared with Santa her wish list along with Addison's wish list.

I do believe our picture turned out just PERFECT, for me anyway :)



Then the girls wanted to ride the North Pole Express. Audrey loved it; Addison wasn't so sure about it.


We followed that with a delicious lunch and some Cookie Co. Cookies (YUM!). Of course we had to get in a little shopping.

Before heading home the girls concluded our trip with a few spins on the boats and planes.

It was a wonderful family day full of fun and many memories.

Christmas Parade

After our fabulous Christmas tea party, Grammy, Audrey, Addison and I went to the Christmas parade. We all had a great time watching the beautiful floats and catching candy.

Christmas Tea Party

Each year a dear friend of the family, Mrs. Debbie, kicks off the Christmas season with a beautiful Christmas tea party for the special little girls in her life. Audrey is one of the lucky ones who gets invited.

We both look forward to this day. Audrey gets to dress up fancy and I get to spend one-on-one time with my oldest daughter. Such a sweet time for both of us.

Here is Audrey all dressed up and ready to go. (Her doll has is wearing a matching dress:) )



Mommy and Daughter

Grammy got to spoil Addison a little while we were away.

The girls made adorable reindeer ornaments when we got there.

Then the little ladies enjoyed beautiful, fancy tea pots and tea cups along with some delicious treats while the adults mingled and enjoyed good food outside.

Santa even took time out of his busy schedule to stop by and visit all the girls. Audrey sang him a song.

This is Audrey and the host, Mrs. Debbie.

This has become one of my favorite activities/traditions to do at Christmas time.

1st Visit with Santa

While visiting my parents one weekend, we went to Bass Pro Shop- which is Audrey's favorite place to go. haha. We didn't realize that Santa was there until we arrived so the girls weren't dressed to take "official" photos with Santa, but they wanted to visit with him anyway.

As you can tell by the photos...Audrey loved talking to Santa and telling him her wish list...Addison, not so much. She was NOT a happy girl.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Addison was still recuperating from Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. So Doctor Audrey decided to take good care of her. Addison is in the baby crib and Audrey made sure she had her babies, blankets and used her "doctor" tools to make her feel better.

Such a cute moment.

Thankful

Thanksgiving: Part 2-

After enjoying time with Corey's family, we drove back to my parents' house to spend the night. The next day we were going to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.

When we arrived, it was getting late so we quickly tried to feed the girls and get them ready for bed. I gave them some of their favorites for supper so they would actually eat something.

By this point I noticed that Addison was still very warm, but acting fine...until...she started eating. She put a piece of orange in her mouth and began screaming uncontrollably. It was awful. We thought she had bitten her finger or tongue. I knew she was tired so I didn't push the eating issue. She drank her milk and I put her to bed. That night she was very restless.

The next morning was the same thing. Fever, wouldn't eat and then I noticed some spots on her feet.

At this point, I have a fussy kid and am frantically trying to prepare our Thanksgiving meal. Thank goodness Corey and Grammy were there to offer some TLC when I couldn't hold her. I was racking my brain the whole time trying to figure out what to do and what was wrong. I was 2 hours from her regular doctor and I certainly didn't want to take her and sit at a "doc-in-a-box" with all the flu and viruses if it wasn't necessary. So I decided just to watch her a little longer.

We enjoyed some family time and a delicious meal.

Addison and Audrey both love the cows and the farm. So since Addison was feeling up to it at the moment, we took them to let them feed the cows and ride the tractor. These girls are becoming great cowgirls :)

Audrey and Grandaddy


Miss Priss-Audrey

Audrey feeding the cows

Addison must taste really good!

I know it's down there somewhere!

Grandaddy and Addison

Sweet Addison not feeling so great.

Addison-Such a big helper!

After this little outing, Addison became even more irritable. I noticed more and more bumps around her mouth and on her hands coming up and it dawned on me that we were probably looking at Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. So, I put in a call to our doctor's office. After explaining the symptoms they confirmed what I suspected.

For the next 3 days that poor baby cried and cried. She lived off of yogurt, Popsicles and milk. I was happy that she would at least eat something. Then finally she began to feel better.

It was a great Thanksgiving. I just wish for once we could celebrate a holiday without one of us being sick :/

Thanksgiving 2011

This year Corey was off on Thanksgiving day. I know! Gasp! I don't think that has happened in about 5 years.

Corey's family (his dad & girlfriend, and Corey's sister's and their families) was gathering for a family Thanksgiving. His side of the family hardly ever has the opportunity to get together, so I was thrilled that we were all going to have a chance to visit and celebrate Thanksgiving together.

We left home early that morning and drove about 3 1/2 hours to meet them. Long ride with 2 little ones...but we made it okay. When we got out of the car, I noticed that Addison felt really warm, but she had been in the carseat for quite some time and was cutting molars so I gave her a dose of Tylenol and she was off and running trying to keep up with the "big girls".

I was so busy stuffing my mouth, visiting and chasing my 2 kiddos, that I only took 2 photos. I know...terrible, right! But we all had a great time.

Here is Audrey with her cousin. They enjoyed each other's company.

Corey with his two sisters.

(Thanksgiving: Part 2- to follow)