Christmas Eve

It is so hard to believe that it is Christmas Eve already!  This time of year just goes by too fast.  The excitement in our house is beyond incredible.  I love watching it unfold through Arabella and Max's eyes.

This morning, they woke up to a special surprise from Jack.

And of course it was time to open the last door on the countdown house...

There were 3 bags from jack this year...one was a special surprise for Grammie!  She must have been extra good this year!

I think they love their pj's!  They were super excited that they had Jack on them!

The day went by super fast.  We went to church, it was standing room only.  Next year I need to get their earlier so we can sit!  We had a yummy dinner and before long, it was time to get ready for Santa to come.  We put out the magic reindeer food and Arabella wrapped a few last minute special gifts.  It was time to put out the cookies and get to sleep.  We wanted to make sure that Santa didn't miss our house!

                                          Yummy, warm pizzelles!

                                                Grammie & Arabella read "Twas The Night Before Christmas"

Ready For Takeoff

The Nutcracker Tradition

Today Arabella and I went Uptown to take in one of our Christmas traditions.  I love that I started this tradition with her when we lived in Montreal - it is something that we can do every year, no matter where we live.  It is fun to get dressed up and to go to the ballet to see the Nutcracker.  We both love to have an afternoon of just "girl time".

We always take the train Uptown - it is so much more relaxing than having to drive and fight with traffic!

This year, we met the cast again.  Arabella enjoys this and has fun talking with them.  I love to see the happiness and smile on her face.

Thank you for sharing a wonderful afternoon with me Arabella.  I am already looking forward to going with you next year.

Christmas Fun

Grammie and Bennett have arrived and we have been keeping busy with fun Christmas activities. We love having Grammie with us and are glad that she decided to come and spend Christmas with us.  We wouldn't want her to be alone and would have gone to pick her up if she wasn't going to make the drive to be with us.

Max and Arabella received an early Christmas box from Grampie and Heather.  Every year they get the kids a special ornament and are allowed to open them early so they can hang them on the tree.

Arabella worked on the gingerbread house...that we never actually eat!

And we made Christmas cookies!  So yummy!  I loved having mom here to help make and decorate them.  It brought me back to my childhood and all the cookies we would make!

                                           Grammie is a pro at maximizing the dough space!

Arabella and I came across this house all decked out in lights.  Can you say "WOW"!!

The Biltmore Estate

I was very excited to visit the Biltmore Estate.  I have seen many specials on HGTV about the home and have always wanted to visit.  It is hard to believe that the Vanderbilt family still lives there.  It was beautifully decorated for Christmas and the audio tour was great.  we learned so much about the history.  I love things like that.  We couldn't take photos inside, but I can understand why.  Arabella enjoyed the audio tour as well - hers was a kids version which was perfect for her.  I would love to go back when we can explore the grounds - in the Spring or Fall would be magical.

Photos from the entry and roads leading up to the Estate.

The architecture and details were impressive.