The girls insisted on wearing Alabama jerseys for the trip to Alabama...and who am I to argue with such brilliant logic???
The girls asking for "Alabama music" in the car, which I finally figured out was "Sweet Home Alabama". And I just so happened to have my friend Lynyrd Skynyrd along for the drive!
The first thing my sweet little mommies did when they got to Granddaddy and Emme's house was check on their baby dolls (the ones they play with there)...so sweet!
Snuggles with Granddaddy and Emme...
A walk in Granddaddy's neighborhood by the pond to see the geese.Sharing a beautiful holiday meal on Sunday night.
The girls telling Granddaddy and Emme "Laku Noc" -- "Good night" in Serbian.
Being able to comfort Baby A who was having trouble settling down in a new place.
(Very) early morning snuggles with Baby A who just couldn't seem to get comfy in her pack-and-play.
[Note: I'm very un-thankful for forgetting to take my camera with us on Monday...grrr!]
Aunt Alison taking a very early lunch to meet us for a mid-morning snack on our way to Aunt GG's house.
One of the most fantastic pastries I've ever eaten -- seriously! -- at the German bakery where we met Aunt Alison.
The girls giving Aunt Alison hugs.
Having a friend like Alison.
The girls running straight for Aunt GG when we got to her house.
The girls singing the blessing before lunch at Aunt GG's.
A beautiful holiday lunch at Aunt GG's, featuring some of my favorites from my childhood.
The girls loving the same macaroni and cheese of my childhood dreams.
The girls devouring (relatively politely, too) Aunt GG's Grecian orange cake and her coconut cake.
Baby A have a blast running around the house in Aunt GG's furry slippers.
Napping in the car.
The girls appreciating the gifts from Granddaddy and Emme, and beginning to learn about giving gifts, too.
Visiting the state park close to Granddaddy's house to see the amazing display of holiday lights.The excitement over seeing the train approach that would carry us through the park.
Bundled-up family snuggles (with Granddaddy in tow to capture it on film).
Walking through part of the park after the train ride, listening to the Christmas music.
The girls being content to sit for stories with Emme.
The girls going to sleep without a peep on Monday night.
More (very) early morning snuggles with Baby A.
The girls singing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in its entirety in front of several audiences.
A fun visit with Aunt / Grandma Linda and Uncle / Grandpa Cecil.
Stopping by to see a childhood friend and her mom for a couple of minutes on our way out of town.
Not losing my keys on this trip.
Despite an impossibly LONG trip home (due to a longer-than-anticipated lunch, several potty breaks, and 5:00 traffic), the girls being awesome travel troopers.
The girls running inside to tend to their baby dolls when we got home.
The girls telling Sasha how much they loved her, how much they'd missed her, and Baby B saying, "I'm sorry we were away."
Baby A telling her baby doll, "Don't worry, Abby. I'm right here. I'll hold your hand. I won't leave you." ((sniff, sniff!))
So many wonderful gifts -- the kind without wrapping paper! -- and that's what it's all about.
8 comments:
Love the hats with built in "pig tails"! Glad you had such a great trip. Merry Christmas!
Miss Mandy, what a beautiful list! I love how you find the "gift" in snuggles when babes should be in bed. Just looking at it from that perspective helps, doesn't it? :)
You have so much so very much to celebrate and be thankful for this Christmas season--love getting this glimpse into your life.
How sweet!
I also had the gift of snuggles tonight with feverish Kendra.
Long story.... still need to blog./... going back to hospital tomorrow for more scans.
This is why I'm up so early/ late - freaking out!!!
I MISSED YOU!
LOVE ALL THE FAMILY UPDATES!!!
Extended family can be one of the biggest blessings of childhood. I'm glad your babies had so much fun with their grandparents and aunties. Makes for the best Christmas memories really!
I am IN LOVE with that second picture where everyone is looking at each other. Black and white that sucker and stick it on a wall...
This post makes me excited to travel to see the families...you must have some sort of gift!
Family time is always wonderful. I'm slightly amazed the girls were such wonderful travel companions with some much activity and newness! I'm hoping the rest of your winter break is just as wonderful!
So glad you had such a great trip!! I hope the rest of your week/end is great and you enjoy celebrating Christmas at home!!
Post a Comment