Holiday Happiness...

Wow, it has been awhile since I updated...the above is a picture from Isabel's School Holiday Program. Ashlen wanted to dress up in a Christmas dress too...this was taken before we left the house that night. Here is the little Holiday Song Bird on her own:

Here she is in line with her class waiting to go on stage:

Here she is with her 'boyfriend' (oh, brother...eyeroll, sob, sigh):

And here she is with her best friend:
Turned out to be a very cute, very fun show...the kids had a blast!!!

As for Christmas, I cannot even imagine a more perfect holiday! It was a white, peaceful, healthy Christmas...who can ask for more? Jason's days off just happened to fall on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year (which NEVER happens), so he took a few extra days off after the holidays as well. Having him home made it a very relaxing and special holiday for us all...considering that won't happen again for years, we enjoyed it while we could! The girls were spoiled, as usual. The highlight came on Christmas morning when Santa Claus delivered an American Girl Doll (Mia) for Isabel and a Bitty Baby for Ashlen. Of course, he also brought lots of accessories and clothes for the dolls. It has been a whole week and the 'new' has not yet worn off...they go wherever the girls go. Isabel's birthday is in January and she is already eyeing the American Girl catalog for new items for Mia...we are having a little trouble deciding on a bed, so for now she sleeps on a pillow next to Isabel's bed. For any of you that have not had the 'pleasure' (a.k.a.='expense') of shopping for American Girl stuff, I must admit that it is quite addicting...that stuff is so stinkin' cute! And, who can resist purchasing things that your kids will actually play with and enjoy, rather than forget in a toybox forever?!?!

Anyway, here are a few pics of our holiday highlights...
Ashlen has been coming up with some pretty funky hair requests lately...on Christmas Eve, she begged me to do her hair like Cindy Lou Who, so this is what she got:

Opening presents at Grams and Papa's house:

Cuddling with Aunt Jackie (Jason's MUCH older sister...hahaha, I hope she reads this!!!):

When I was little, playing with cousins was the best part of the holidays, so I am very grateful that even though the cousins are quite a bit older, they are still willing to play with my little ones (check is in the mail, kids!!!). This is Cousin Megan (Jackie's daughter) with the girls:

Isabel has been wanting a snow globe!

Ashlen 'tends to her young':

I like to take the tree and decorations down as soon as possible, so now we are all ready for a new year and warm spring days. I know, I know, we have many cold months of winter before us, but I can pretend that spring is just around the corner and it makes me feel better! I will focus on planning Isabel's birthday party and this year's summer vacation to help me get through the cold weeks ahead...and, if all else fails, I will climb into a warm tanning bed and try to convice my brain that I am laying on my own patio on a warm summer day...*sigh*.