There is something so magical about Christmas time, even in Florida! Christmas music and holiday decorating topped the list of Jack and Sophie's favorite things. Of course, sightings of Santa were also super exciting!
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| Sophie is always watching her big brother to see what he will do next |
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| These two still adore cookies and pop pops. Jack was very helpful this year using his cookie cutters to make different shaped cookies. His favorite shape was the snowman because he could add lots of m&ms for the buttons. I made all sorts of cookies this year to bring to Grandma's house, chocolate chip with coconut, ginger snaps and an assortment of personally decorated sugar cookies by Jack and Sophie. |
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| Sophie loves to walk with her hands crossed like this! It is really cute to watch! |
To get the holiday kicked off, we went to the MOPS holiday party. Santa came for a visit, and the kids got to decorate pictures and eat lots of holiday snacks. They both love candy canes.
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| Jack and his pal, Ella |
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| Some of our good pals: Isabella, Elle, and Ella |
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| The MOPS party was just the beginning of the festivities! We went to St. Augustine for the light show, decorated the Christmas tree, put up all of our ornaments, and stockings. We also got an advent calendar, and counted down the days to Christmas. We celebrated each night with a piece of candy. |
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| Jack loves wearing ties and belts. He gets terribly upset if he doesn't have a belt on at all times. The tie thing is new, and I have been able to convince him that it is only for special occasions. Thank goodness he agreed or he would be wearing it everyday too! |
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| This is the first year that Jack really began to appreciate the holiday. At school, he made beautiful wood statues of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. He told us the story of Mary giving birth to Jesus but gave me a new version I hadn't heard. Supposedly, there was an alligator that wouldn't let Mary and Joseph into the inn! |
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| Our kitty, Chase, has become a real part of our family. She just appeared one day in our yard and hasn't left since. When Carl claps his hands for the dogs to come in, she is the first one to race to him. She loves on Herme all the time, and this is a common sight to see at the front door. When it is cold, she sleeps on George's old bed in the laundry room. She has made herself quite at home. |
Santa came to our house two days before Christmas. Jack's only two requests were a piano and a trumpet. Santa was very good to both kids, and brought them lots of fun presents.
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| Jack loves his trumpet. I was impressed at how quickly he could play it! |
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| Jack loved singing Christmas carols. His favorite was jingle bells. He knew every word of it by the end of December. He was SO excited for Christmas day! |
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| Jack and Sophie opening presents on their new sleeper sofa. They love this thing, and watch lots of tv together on it. Thanks Mimi and Papa! |
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| Sophie loved opening presents. She would scream Santa whenever she saw anything with a Santa on it. |
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| Carl and Sophie feeding her new baby! |
After a day of playing with their new toys, we headed down to Sarasota for Christmas. We hadn't been to a Sarasota Christmas since before Jack was born. It was extra special because Grandpa Joe was home from sea, Uncle Steve flew in from D.C. and Gigi drove over from Delray. On our first night there, we went to Selby Garden's Christmas display. It was like a tropical rainforest covered in lights, and there was an amazing tree house with bridges and forts to play on in the dark with the christmas lights. Jack and Sophie had a great time with their friends Will and Caroline!
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| Despite all the presents that Grandma and grandpa bought, one of Sophie's absolute favorites was the Minnie decoration in the house. |
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| Jack playing with Sophie's new baby doll and pram. |
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| Sophie showing us her new clothes |
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| More presents!!! |
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| Uncle Steve and Daddy having a mimosa Christmas morning |
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| Gigi never ages! Grandpa had a lot of fun opening presents as well. He loved all of the electronics, especially the remote control truck and planes. |
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| Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!! |
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| Sophie opening up her new animal zoo. She loves to hear them all make noises and tell me the name of them. |
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| Jack in his conductor outfit and Sophie putting together her zoo |
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| Sophie's big surprise was her dollhouse. She absolutely loves all of the furniture |
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| Happy in a box! |
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| Opening all of these presents makes me tired! |
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| Jack and Sophie playing with Jack's new train set. It is quite fitting as he loves train, and it just so happens to be the Pennsylvania lionel freight train which is where he was born! |
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| Sophie and her cookie! She is our little cookie monster! |
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| Being creative in making tunnels |
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| Jack and Uncle Steve looking at the train schedule. Jack became obsessed with the "green" train and getting on it. |
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| Our Florida girl wishing she could go for a Christmas swim |
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| Four generations of our family |
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| So grateful we were all together for such a magical Christmas! |
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