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.

Merry Christmas everyone!  Love, The Ponds

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!

Noelle snagged her tights at school and had a blast really ripping them on the way home!

Rona and Debbie came over (sweet friends from Mike’s office) for lunch today.  I made a salad trio that turned out so great!  We took a pic of the food but forgot to take a picture of all of us!  We had a great girlie Christmas lunch together!

Last night our church group came over for a Christmas party.  We had a blast, and I loved using all of my new pewter that Mike gave me for Christmas!

The Hapy Girls party is always a special treat.  Rara with me and Noelle, and Rara with me and Anna Kate!

Noelle playing on the bridge at the doll house.  Our little poser with Ra-ree (Noelle gave Rara the nickname Ra-ree this weekend), which isn’t as bad as the nickname Noelle overheard Mom calling me: Mochresha!  What?  Yup, my mom calls me Mochresha sometimes, Noelle overheard her and has been calling me that non-stop this week.  What do ya do?  Thanks Ra-ree!

The Hapy girls is the social organization my grandmother, Mary Arnett, founded in 1965 along with three of her best friends (her last name, Arnett, is the A in H.A.P.Y.), and although all the founding Hapy girls have passed away, the group remains strong, meeting for lunch once a month to celebrate each other’s birthdays and precious lives.

Aunt Elsie, Aunt Joe, Great Aunt Polly, Cousin Linda, and Rara

Noelle and Mommy with Bekah Boo!

Noelle with her Great Great Aunt Polly!  I cannot tell you how treasured this picture will be to me for the rest of my life!

Rosie with her sisters

Cousin Linda and Cousin Brittany 

Our wonderful lunch – ever since I’ve been pregnant, I’ve been posting more food photos – wonder what I’m thinking about?  Right now, a snack!

Everyone brought a piece of costume jewelry they no longer wear to the party, and we had a penny raffle.  Everyone got a cup with 50 pennies, and the auction began!  It was SO much FUN – you can also share your pennies with others in a bidding war, if you’d like.  Noelle and I won so many GREAT pendants for jackets and hats… these ladies are classy!

This is the picture I took for Jax’s pet therapy business cards.  When he goes for visits to the hospital, Poppa will hand out his cards to his patients.  I’m so proud of Jax and Poppa!  They are really helping cheer up lonely and hurting patients.

Noelle loves to dance with babies while singing Aladdin’s "A Whole New World!"  I captured the moment this weekend while she was dancing with Rara’s wedding doll.