Fountain Inn Christmas Lights Carriage Ride

We have lived here now for five years, almost six, and I've wanted to ride a carriage through Fountain Inn to see their Christmas lights every year. 

As soon as Tommy got in town from his two week stint in Salt Lake, I hit him up hard for the Christmas activities. I didn't want him to miss out on any, so we saved them all for when he got back, and piled them all into one week before Christmas! This was first on the list.

Pitiful family picture, but at least we have one!

We snuggled all in for the chilly ride. The lights did not disappoint! They were beautiful! They had put several wooden "Grinches" around the route for you to look for. Addie Kate enjoyed that a lot. There was also a house completely decorated in Grinch or Whoville fashion. It was perfect for the kids.

I was in hopes Addie would be able to pet Magic, our horse, when the ride was over. He was a little finnicky at first, but turns out he just didn't like bands (they had a live band there playing outside) or police cars - ha! He was sweet to stand there and let AK pet his nose.

It was a wonderful, fun time, and such a different way to see Christmas lights. We'll definitely be back!

Visiting Santa

Addie Kate did so well visiting Santa this year! I was so excited for her to finally enjoy Christmas and all that there is surrounding this great holiday! 

She was a little nervous...

(please excuse my horrid posture, yuck)

but got right up there after Mommy's reassuring!

I was so happy, proud, and in shock that I didn't listen really well to what she asked Santa for. I know the Barbie house (really big dollhouse) and Pocahontas were the two consistent wishes. There were always a few randoms thrown in there.

Santa also asked her if a few surprises were okay. He must have been reading Mommy's mind!

Sweet girl was so excited to share her visit with baby brother this year!

And Drew was just as cool as a cucumber!

I know he wanted to grab hold of that beard, but he never did!

Oh be still my heart! My two sweets!

I can see that 2011 will be our best Christmas yet!

Christmas Countdown

AK absolutely loves to countdown to Christmas! We have numerous countdowns, including the German chocolate Advent calendar that her Aunt Christie gave her this year. (I had planned to do an elaborate Advent calendar, but Tommy was out of town for two solid weeks before Christmas, and we moved into the new digs - see above - apartment living at it's finest - so it will have to wait until next year. At least I can use a year to research and hand-make one that is amazing!) Note here, this countdown was a placemat that I got for $1 at Target last year. I slapped some magnets on it and she loves it!

Just some miscellaneous pics...

Sweet baby boy playing: 

 He adores anything that makes noise, that isn't a toy. Cracks me up.

 Addie Kate making little treats for her friends. These were 8 whoppers and one red pretzel M&M - Reindeer Noses!

 And Addie Kate got a new pair of kicks from Mimi. Some pink Chucks. Aren't they precious? She loves them. Mimi told her she could run faster and jump higher with them. So when we put them on to wear to school, she did a jump and quickly got upset that they didn't make her jump much higher. Bless her!

PJ Day at School

According to Addie Kate, this was the best day ever! She loved wearing her pajamas to school. And they got to watch a movie and eat "puff" corn. I love that school. I love that they are so conscious of even the small stuff (that could be a big thing) like not feeding them popcorn since it's such a choking hazard. 

And I gotta tell ya, if those aren't the two cutest Christmas babies, I don't know who would be! I'm not the slightest bit partial! (These were the first pictures taken in our new living quarters. Fabulous.)

Addie Kate's Christmas Program

Oh my word, this could not have been any cuter. Her Christmas program was the BEST! I was so proud! She did SO WELL! 

They had the stage set up so nice! I loved these trees!

Addie Kate's class trying to get set up. She was being a tiny bit shy.

And I hate that the microphone was right where her little mouth was. She was singing her heart out!

They should not have put William in front of the microphone! H loved it and kept trying to touch it. The little boy beside him would push his arm down to get him to stop, which just made William mad! It was hilarious to watch, I'm sure because he isn't my child! 

More of those sweet children singing!

Addie Kate stopped to show Olivia how to lift her dress like a princess! ha!

This cracks me up! 

Each class sang two songs and recited part of the Christmas story, then sat back down to watch the other classes. Then all three age groups got up and sang two more songs together. It was absolutely adorable. I just sat there and cried and could not keep it together. And I am so not that kind of person. Having these kids has done it to me!

I mean, how could I not shed a tear over that precious, angelic face singing?

She spotted us!

Little man was an angel during the performance.

He is such a ham!

My boy and me!

I'm assuming here I was telling her how proud I truly was of her!

Addie Kate and her precious friend Kayce.

My family!

Addie Kate and McKinlee

This was as good as it got. And I love it.

I love that Addie Kate squeezes my neck for pictures. It doesn't make for the best picture, but it sure does feel good to be so loved!

Addie Kate and her two best friends. Such sweet, sweet girls!