Merry Christmas 2011

All dressed up for church and of course Annie is making her token face! We had wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas celebrations with Grandma and Grandpa Hanson. The girls were fabulous in church, all of the meals were absolutely delicious, and we had so much fun opening and playing with all our new presents.



Annie loved wearing her fancy dress.



"I just always wanted these pajamas," exclaimed Lauren. She was so excited that she put these PJs on right over her Christmas dress.



Lauren and Daddy trying to figure out Lauren's new camera. Of course, the child who was raised with numerous photos taken of her each day wants a camera for Christmas when she is only three.



Lauren and Annie LOVE this little house Mommy and Daddy got for Annie. We are so glad the Craigslist gift is such a hit!



Opening presents and eating Goldfish in this box was great fun for both girls.



Our evening concluded with a lovely concert by Geoff. Mom and Dad Hanson had Geoff's trombone refurbished for him as a Christmas present. We were all amazed at how well he could still play.

Decorating Christmas Cookies

One week before Christmas, us ladies enjoyed a wonderful evening of decorating Christmas cookies together (notice Wilma even made this picture). Geoff was around too and he made us a fabulous panini dinner. We missed Jon, but he was busy working in California.



Aunt Stephanie and Annie. Annie did a great job of quality control.


Mommy and Lauren. I love the drip of frosting on her chin.


Quality control...


My favorite cookie decorated by Lauren. This was her first one and I am pretty sure the entire bottle of sprinkles made its way onto this cookie.


Our finished cookies.


This pic has nothing to do with decorating cookies, but I love both of the smiles! I randomly took this photo a few weeks ago on a Monday morning when both girls were just having so much fun playing together on the kitchen floor. I love PJ photos!

The Polar Express

On Christmas Eve, we took our yearly Polar Express train ride. This year was extra special because the girls were able to wear their PJs on the train. Just like Lauren's first year on the train, Annie LOVED watching out the windows. Lauren was very interested in the conductor and even wanted me to ask him if he was planning to serve hot chocolate.



Mommy reading The Polar Express.



Annie was so proud of herself when she was able to sit on the train seat all by herself.



Sisterly love! The girls loved giving hugs and looking out the window together.

What a wonderful trip we had. This was our third year participating in this tradition and we plan to continue for many years to come.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Annie is OBSESSED with this little Santa! Looks like both of our girls can't wait for Christmas.

Decorating the House

They are called stockings, right Mommy?

Lauren had a difficult time taking these off her feet so I could hang them on the mantel. I wonder what Santa is going to fill these stockings with on Christmas Eve?


Lauren was so proud after following our tradition and placing the star on top of the tree. What's going to happen next year when Annie is old enough too?


Geoff and the girls with our beautifully decorated tree. Lauren did such a great job hanging the ornaments on the tree. We only had one casualty, but no need to worry. Thanks to Bronners.com, I was able to order another name ornament and have it shipped our way.



Lately Annie has been making this silly face. She does it when she's excited or happy. I was finally able to catch her in the moment and get a photo. Silly little McMuffin!



Last Saturday Lauren was able to experience her first concert. Our babysitter is in the gospel choir at her university, so we got dressed up and went to listen to their Christmas songs and support her. Lauren and I had a wonderful time together. We did have to leave at intermission though, as sitting for about an hour and a half was all Lauren could handle. Great job, Jessa!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Happy Birthday, Daddy! We can't wait to celebrate with you and help make your special day just perfect.

Lauren made this Playdough Daddy just for you.

Love you,
all 3 of your girls

Annie's Second First Birthday Party

Discovering her 1st Birthday balloon



Birthday banner and month photo banner



Playing with Jack and Lauren on the parachute


Annie and her friend, Cora


Lauren and her friend, Logan coloring away.


More banana cake


Opening presents


Annie is so happy to have her own bean bag!


Singing and blowing out 1 candle



Is this all for me?



I sure do love banana cake!