Katie loved just sitting with her Gma and cuddling. Especially when she was sick, like in this picture. She looks so big in this one.
My Gma had sent some beautiful angels with my mom for the girls. She had crocheted them all for each girl. So we took some time to cover them in fabric stiffener and I am going to hang them over each girl's bed.
This man said his dog's name was Rudolf. It was such a fun day with just me and my mom. Can't remember the last time that has happened. Thanks to my wonderful husband.
I am a strong believer in couples doing creative things of any sort together. These are some of my favorite times and memories with Jared. Even when Jared was helping me prepare my last talk for sacrament meeting it was just as wonderful. There is something about it that just builds your relationship, love and appreciation for each other about doing creative things together.
We found toothpicks are the best part about building it. Such a good idea.
I tried doing the icing, but soon...
...passed it on to my oh-so strong hubby. I think he secretly had the most fun doing this.
Anne and Alicia both took turns putting the candy on as Jared instructed them. ( Almost half of the candy has since been eaten off by Alicia... she went in time-out for that.)
And here is the finished product. Fabulous, huh!!!!
Of course, we had to show it off to Aunty Kay when she was on skype. We are so proud of ourselves. I think this may become a yearly tradition.
The girls loved watching and helping Gma put the ingredients in. At one point we thought Anne had put in way to too much almond extract. But luckily someone thought about little girl helpers when they designed the bottle.
Each girl got a chance to cut out shapes in the dough.
They turned out a bit pink instead of red, but they tasted just as wonderful. I had forgotten how good they were. So I decided to share the recipe with you all.
Because of us being sick and then with Thanksgiving we hadn't made the wreath yet. So Jared and Beate quickly whipped it together.
I got the treat and hot chocolate put together. We put on Beate's music, that we listen to each 1st Advent and just had a nice peaceful evening.
Anne got to set up the nativity. Of course, now they think it is a toy.
Then we set Gma's tree. All 3 girls were fascinated and involved.
Anne and Alicia even got to help put on the lights.
Next come the bows on the lights. Here is Anne's version of a bow. Alicia's were just as creative.
And the best part is the ornaments.
It looks very interesting. There is a section where all the ornaments are in one spot and others that are bare. But they are so proud of themselves.
Katie loved the lights. She couldn't figure them out. Now that the tree is up it really feels like Christmas.
I had asked my mom to bring some more barrettes for the girls' hair and she brought so many wonderful things. This was actually her gift for Jared, because he loves to do Anne and Alicia's hair. He even likes the headbands on babies (as long as they aren't huge, I agree there). He pouts each Sunday that I do the girls hair before he can.
Anne and Alicia love the flowers and bows so much. It has been hard to keep them out of the box.
Even Grandpa got all decked out. He is such a good sport. He had them on for hours, I think secretly he must have like it.