Aunt "San"

Finally, Kate was feeling better, so we went in to see Aunt Fran before she went back to Atlanta. Kate really liked playing with her -- so much so that she didn't want to sit for a picture. She just made sure that she would watch her EVERY move.

And the list goes on...

FAO Schwarz. That is our family room's name now as all of these have been added to the decor. Whoever thought that a December baby was a good idea needs to experience Christmas in July. Or get a playroom. Or a basement. Or ...

Santa's visit

Santa was economizing this year at our house. And he knew that we don't have much room for large items. So, an easel was the "major" gift from Santa at our house. Picasso has had little time to sleep since noticing it.

The Nutcracker ... sweet

The last Sunday before Christmas, Santa visited the Club for lunch. I knew that Kate would not be visiting with Santa; however, I did not know that nutcrackers were so special to her. She points them out wherever we go...and now hugs them, too! Such a sweet girl!

"picture, please"

Kate has had a fever and a horrible cough since Saturday. Her disposition has not been affected at all -- still happy as can be. Last night she requested her picture to be taken. After saying "cheese" multiple times, I picked up the camera and came to her. She had dragged her stool in front of the Christmas tree where I had put it for the final Christmas card pictures. She perched herself on the stool and began her photo session. These, of course, were real smiles. The Elmo shirt probably has something to do with that! Little turkey!

Christmas Card ordered...

And only one of these made the cut...There are others, of course. What kind of mom do you think I am???

Ho, Ho, ... NO

Santa (the same retired teacher from DCHS, who was also my teacher) came to visit again. Before I spent money on a "Santa" outfit, I thought we would attempt the free photo opp at school to see if Kate would have a successful Santa sitting. I was right...it was money I didn't need to spend as she was NOT into Santa. I even tried sitting on a stool without the close proximity. She would not have it.
She did, however, like the cookies, candy canes, lemonade, and Hershey's kisses that were there for the kids. She also liked that Daddy was there. (It was also her "real" birthday).
Another (sad) attempt at a family picture. I have no idea why Matt is scrunched how for the picture. Kate wanted her lemonade and was struggling to pull it away. After this, Kate lost it and Matt took her out to watch the dance team. Some of my students are on it and they began dancing with Kate during a break. She said, "bye, mama" and went into the middle of 20 high school girls without a second thought. They were clapping and she was dancing with them. "Bye, dance" was said the whole way home. She has her priorities straight!

party!

Just a sampling of the toys that Kate received early for her birthday. Shhhh, this is the only party she is having.

ooooooooohhh, pretty...nice!

Those were Kate's words about her new Christmas jammies. From the mouths of babes!

Happy (early Elmo) Birthday

Please don't judge Matt -- he was actually super happy about the events. It is the only picture of the three of us since July!
This is cake maker, Jill. She made the awesome Elmo cake.
This is the cake. Kate was super excited!!!