First Snow of the Year - Blink and You'd Have Missed It!

We had our first snow-fall of the year and my goodness did it come in with a flurry and then leave all the same. While I was driving Abby to preschool the snow was just starting to fall and 15 minutes later we officially had snow on the ground. There was enough snow that, after dropping Abby off at preschool, I stopped at Ace Hardware to pick up a sled thinking we could have some fun playing in the snow after preschool and before lunch and naptime.

Abby showing off her super cute owl hat while enjoying walking in the snow.

Making a snow angel.

Riding in the sled up and down the street.

Helping Mom clear the sidewalk.

Building a snow fort.

Thank goodness we did get in the hour or so of snow play because when Abby woke up from her nap (about two hours after these pictures were taken - she was so excited for the snow that she got in a super short nap) almost all the snow was gone! Basically just little tiny patches randomly here and there were all that was left. Hopefully this won't be our only snowfall of the year!

Abby's Preschool Christmas Party

Abby's preschool had a Christmas party the last day of school before Christmas break and parents were invited. I was super excited to see what the class and teachers might have in store for us parents as well as excited to see Abby among all her school friends. Since I'd been hearing "Jingle Bells" over and over again in the week or so leading up to her party I had a sneaking suspicion that song might be on the menu, but was completely spoiler free as to what else I might get to see.  (Unfortunately Nate's work schedule didn't allow him to attend, but I was okay with this as the actual "performance" took about three minutes.)

When the door to the classroom opened I walked in to see nine little almost three year olds standing so sweetly against the wall. Of course that lasted about two seconds because as soon as everyone saw Mom or Dad they made a beeline for them and Abby was no exception. She saw me and came running over to give me a super big hug and kiss. I could tell she was so excited to show off for me! 

Abby in line with her classmates. 

Running over to give me a hug! She loves her mama.

Once the kids were back up against the wall their performance started and what a cute show it was! First up...singing Jingle Bells.

And the finale had them reciting their month's bible verse: Luke 2:11 "Today in the town of David, A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."

Afterward we dined on salami, cheese, bananas, and cupcakes and talked about all she'd been doing in school that day. Then it was time for Abby to give her teachers their Christmas presents (I found the cutest printable that said "Thanks a latte for all that you do" and added in a gift card for a local coffee shop. I was pretty proud of my DIY talents!) and then pick up her bag of Christmas goodies. There was actually more than I thought there'd be. Inside we found a treat from one of her classmates, a scarf from the school, a monkey from her teachers, and a gift for Nate and I which ended up being an Abby painted Christmas tree Christmas ornament. Our first official "Abby created" ornament. I love it!

Abby's first homemade ornament.

A Visit with Santa

This year I got a different sort of "sitting on Santa's lap" Christmas picture. I went into the photo op expecting a picture similar to what we've had previous years: mouth thrown open in a scream, tears streaming down the face, arms reaching for Mom who's standing just out of camera view. Instead, I got this:

Abby enjoying Santa!

Sitting peacefully in Santa's arms with a smile on her face! A smile with actual teeth showing! It's a Christmas miracle!!!

Abby's Rendition of "Jesus Loves Me"

Abby surprised the heck out of me one night when, as I was singing Jesus Loves Me to her as part of our bedtime routine, she started singing along. Of course, I had to capture it on camera so we sang the song a few times that night so I could record her beautiful sweet voice.