Chrismas Morning

I slacked a little bit on the Christmas morning photos, but it all happened so fast! We were making coffee, getting cinnamon rolls in the oven and getting ready for my parents to come over for our eggs benedict breakfast. Syd was excited to see that Santa ate up all three of the cookies she left out for him! Her first present was a beautiful purple bike that her Nonnie, Poppie and Aunt Amanda gave to her. She was riding it all around the house. Absolutely her favorite gift by far!

Sydney opening her presents

We made a delicious breakfast, cleaned up and then headed over to my parents for a wonderful Christmas meal. We decided to start a new tradition of small appetizers. Only problem was that everyone was so excited about it that we all brought 3 - 4 appetizers a piece. Needless to say, we had way too much food. I suppose there could be worse problems to have. So nice to have everyone together though.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Syd was very specific about the exact type of cookies that Santa wanted her to leave for him. She left three cookies in a row with a small glass of milk. She asked if she could stay awake to see him come, but we all know the answer to that one. So she fell fast asleep in her bed while visions of sugar plums danced in her head.

The Polar Express

We were excited to head up to the Polar Express again this year. Sad that Sarah, Neil and Savannah couldn't make it though. As we were driving up, I realized we were on the 5:30 train, not the 7:30! Whoops! That meant we had to change plans and drive right to the train versus stopping in Prescott first. Then of course, as we drove we ran into a full on snow storm. It felt like we were back in Chicago! Only problem is that these people in Arizona aren't used to driving in a snow storm the way Chicagoans are. We hit a bridge and literally slid across it. Chris' eyes about popped out of his head. We got to the station and attempted to get in line to see Santa, but as we stood in the non-moving line, they announced that it was time to board the train. We hopped out of the Santa line (to visit him after the train) and went to see Mrs. Claus instead since her line was short.

Syd was so excited to see some snow! She insisted we take a photo of her by a tree before boarding the train.

All aboard!!!!!

Syd was so excited to head out to see Santa!

As soon as the train starts to move, the party starts. They pass out hot cocoa and snickerdoodle cookies. We'll just say that Mommy had to break her 25 grams of sugar a day guideline and eat one of those bad boys. SO GOOD!!

So we all received the heads-up that we were approaching the North Pole! Syd was on the lookout.

She spotted it along with Santa! "HI SANTA!!!"

If you can make it out through the world's foggiest window, I applaud you. It's Santa and his sleigh.

Now it was time to head back to the train station, which means it's time to sing Christmas carols. You can tell that this is Chris' favorite part.

Suddenly there was an announcement that Santa was actually on the train and headed for our car!

She got to talk to Santa for a minute and he gave her a magical bell.

Love this look. I think he's trying to tell her he knows she's been on the naughty list this year :)

This girl just can't resist a purple tree!

Syd's photo with Santa

Christmas Gifts

We decided to make some jars for Syd's teachers and our neighbors again this year. Some delicious chocolate m&m cookie mixes. Sadly it was so busy that I only got one photo with my cell phone, but they were so cute and everyone loved them. I made little tags on the front that say "Sweet treats for you" and then when they remove the cloth top, there are directions on how to mix and bake the cookies on the lid.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Syd was seriously itching to get the Christmas Tree put up. Little did she know that we would put it up, take it down (and throw it angrily out in the yard) purchase a new, fresh tree and decorate it all over again! Lesson learned was to not place a fake tree in a plastic bag to sit in a hot shed during the summer months. Makes for a stinky, oh so very very stinky tree. That all being said, here are the photos from our first set of decorating!

Taking a moment to strike a pose

Placing the Bear on top of the tree!

She did it!

Christmas Recital

Sydney worked hard for her Christmas Recital this year. They practiced the songs along with hand movements. One of the songs was even sung in Turkish! She did such a wonderful job, they put her in front and center because she was one of two kids that knew all the words and movements. So proud of her! Lala and Papa came to see her as well. They showed up with some flowers, she was so surprised and happy!