We had so much fun with Grand Papa & Mama Kay Kay enjoying all the holiday festivities at the Arboretum, which included crafts, nutcrackers, brunch, & Noelle’s favorite — FROSTY!
One last picture at the Nutcracker display!
Mike and I crack up at these pictures — Frosty was a trip. Noelle LOVED him and got so excited to see him! She ran to him with open arms and said, "I love you, Frosty!"
Thank you Mama Kay Kay & Grand PaPa for all my wonderful toys!
This year and last year – our babies are growing up, and we are both pregnant with our second bundles of joy due this spring! Breckin is 18 months old in the first picture, and Noelle is 18 months old in the second picture. I think it’s crazy how their expressions are almost identical. I wonder if it’s an age thing?
We loved our little holiday visit with you guys! We miss you and love you so much!
Brother Man took this picture right before Noelle came downstairs to see what Santa left her. Fruit and knives–check, cheerleader outfit–check, pom-poms–check, music player (family Ipod)–check… now all we need is our Noelle!
Noelle running to her presents with such delight.
Noelle was so giddy about her pom-poms. Aunt Joe Joe gave her this froggy–it’s the softest froggy in the entire world – thank you Joe Joe!
Noelle changed about 100 times on Christmas day–we gave her lots of dress-up clothes for hours worth of entertainment in ’09!
Cheers to fruit and knives and velcro ice cream! This second picture is typical Noelle–I love the expression on her face–what can I say, she’s our joy!
Saying good-bye to John & Nancy!
Traditional wave down the hill–"Bye Bye Brother Man & Fancy Nancy!"
Daddy & Noelle playing the piano before the Christmas Eve service.
Noelle twirling to Daddy’s Christmas music – one of my favorite memories!
Sweet Noelle all dolled up and ready to go!
Family picture once we got home – may be our last one as a family of three!?!
Noelle and Rara giving lots of holiday hugs and kisses!
Making cookies for Santa!
One of our friends at Mike’s work, Tim, gave Noelle a puzzle and a gorilla. She loves them both so much and proudly tells everyone they’re from Tim!
Traditional T’was the Night Before Christmas reading by Daddy and The Happy Christmas by Brother Man (which he wrote in the 3rd grade – quite entertaining and a must read every Christmas)!
Christmas Eve morning – our first day in Jacksonville! One of Noelle’s favorite traditions at Poppa and Rara’s is that she gets to ring the dinner bell when it’s time for a meal to start. She can’t wait to ring the bell!
Our Christmas gift exchange took place despite living half-way around the world from the Eberts. We draw names each year, and it’s always a fun surprise to see who everyone had. We mailed the presents ahead of time and started the exchange via Skype (it was 4:00PM Christmas Eve here and 7:00AM Christmas day there).
Everyone saying hello to the Eberts!
John gave Mike a really cool shirt that says, "That’s how I roll." Mike can’t wait to wear it to gym class. Noelle very proudly showing the Eberts her new My Little Pony.
Michele opening her Secret Santa gift from Dad… I love how Drew is on the side helping!
Andy gave Mom this gorgeous basket, and Michele gave me this beautiful basket as well. It looks gorgeous in our house!
We gave Fancy Nancy her very own Fancy Nancy book, & John and Nancy gave Noelle her very own princess cash register — definite hit!
Noelle reading Fancy Nancy her new book!
About to open the cash register, her very first present.
It’s a winner!
Mike and I worked on this puzzle for at least an hour the morning of the 24th! My Aunt Lexie made it for us, and Noelle took it apart before we were able to look at it first. Let me tell you, I would’ve never figured it out without Mike Pond. Such a fun mid-day activity waiting for all the hustle and bustle to start.
Thanks Jon & Heather for Noelle’s awesome new princess camera. She even wanted to sleep with it last night. You guys are the best!
When Noelle woke up this morning she asked if she could color you guys a "thanks card." I was so proud of her, and your card looks great!
Thanks to Mike’s amazing company, Jon & Heather and Mike & I got to go to the last Dallas Cowboys game in Texas Stadium last Saturday!
Mike and I before the game!
Funny pics – this girl in Jerry Jones’ (the owner) box summed up our emotions. The game was so crazy, and we couldn’t believe the insane break-out touchdowns the Ravens made against our defense. Jon took a picture of this man’s coat. It was crazy brown and blue fur… we were entertained!
The Farewell Texas Stadium ceremony was fun to be a part of… the night got SO cold, but it was a great memory!
