Joy

There were too many precious photos and memories not to share from our first holiday season as a family of four! I'll try to be brief with my recap, but didn't want these memories to fade.

We made our Santa visit a tad early this year. The big man stopped by English Gardens the first weekend of November and allowed parents to take free photos. Being the Christmas-lover that I am, I couldn't resist. Fun weekend activity after feeling stir crazy post-Emma.

In early December Grace performed at her first pre-school Christmas concert. She was a show-stopper (surprise, surprise)! Seriously though, I was so proud at how how much effort she put into doing what she was supposed to, how well she listened, and how excited she was about the entire ordeal altogether. I know this is just the beginning, and it makes Zach and I so very excited for her future.

We also hosted a Christmas playdate for Grace's closest buddies - Harper, Cam, Brady and now baby Ellie (Emma's girlfriend who is two weeks apart). I live for these types of crafty activities and had a blast putting the morning together. We (attempted) to decorate cookies, make glittery angel ornaments and all exchanged secret santa gifts. Super fun, super messy, and super memorable. Love these little ones so much.

Grace and Emma's tree downstairs.

Cheese or singing Jingle Bells. Not sure.

Cam, Grace, Harper and Brady. 

The poor second children. Best photo I could manage of the two of them given the chaos!
So happy Emma has Ellie to vent to about the lack of attention she receives at times :)

Santa baby.

Mama and Harper. Not sure what we'd be doing without having met these two! 

My heart hurts I love this photo so much.

During our trip home for the FTP Christmas party and Emma's baptism, we got some quality time in with our wonderful friends Lindsay and Henry in Chicago. So crazy I'm able to share in the awesomeness of Zach's company with my long time girlfriend and her kiddo! We ventured over to the Shed Aquarium that morning, and then went out for some Michigan Avenue shopping and dinner at Luxe that night while Grace had a sleepover at Aunt Tooks (thanks again Brooke - she had the time of her life!)

We even managed to sneak in a trip to the Detroit Zoo for the Wild Lights event taking place and get some snow action for Grace in the backyard. Sledding in circles and lazy snow angels were about all we (that is Zach and I) had the energy for, but Grace loved it nonetheless.

She won't remember much from this trip, but I'm sure she opened her eyes at least once or twice for the twinkle lights.

Grace LOVES snow this year. Such a fun age!

Did I mention that our house decorated for Christmas was an absolute dream come true? As a little girl I probably dreamed more about having a "real" home one day to decorate for the holidays than my future wedding, or dream man for that matter (sorry Zach). Hubs did an amazing job on the outside. Next year we're decorating extra early though to make sure we're around enough (when not traveling back and forth from Chicago) to enjoy all our hard work! 

Coziness and Doc McStuffins. What more could you ask for?

Proud wife.

Loved our wreaths we created at English Gardens (aka the store that robbed us silly this winter).

Our family's newest friend, Twinkie the Elf.

How Grace didn't destroy this before the 25th, I have no idea.

More to come with actual Christmas "day" photos! Santa made a few rounds this year. The girls were pretty good, what can I say :)