Father/Daughter Ball

This was the 2nd year for Mikey and Ava to go to the Father/Daughter Ball. They both were looking forward to it so much after all the fun they had together last year. 

Ava chose to wear her Elsa dress and asked for a braid like Elsa as well. She picked out Daddy's shirt and tie again this year. 

I don't have any pictures from the actual event since I wasn't allowed to go but this year did not disappoint. They came home so excited and Mikey said that so many girls (older and younger) came up to Ava to tell her how beautiful she looked or how pretty her dress was. He says there were just as many girls who would point to her and tell their dads "Look she is wearing the Elsa dress". I know it made Ava feel even more special to get attention from other little girls. 

I just love these two so much! Their bond is so incredibly special. Ava is one lucky girl to have such a loving, thoughtful, and fun daddy who goes out of his way to make her feel special. 

They often times put on special dance performances at night so they were excited to practice their moves at the ball. 

My favorite part of the performances...the lifts! ;)

Christmas with Papa & Gramielle

Papa and Gramielle came up for a few days after Christmas so we could celebrate with them as well. I am so grateful that they come to us around this time of year so we don't have to travel to so many different cities to see all the grandparents around the holidays!

Just when they thought all the Christmas present opening was over....

Papa likes to pretend to eat Ava and Connor's toes. :)

Playing Legos

We love you Papa and Gramielle!

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

On Christmas Eve. Ava went with us into the Christmas Eve service at church while Connor stayed in the church nursery. This is such a special time for us as parents to get to sit next to our sweet girl as we sing Christmas songs and hear the story of Jesus' birth. At the end of the service the congregation lights candles as we all sing together.

Once the kids were all nestled in their beds and visions of sugar plums were dancing in their heads, Mikey and I watched White Christmas and assembled presents for the kids. :)

Ava was awake first, of course, and we let her open a few presents before Connor woke up. 

Papa and Nana gave her an American Girl Bitty Baby. 

Once we heard Connor stirring in his room the three of us went in to get him. (skip down 3 or 4 pictures to see)

We were ready with the iphone as he walked in to see the presents that Mommy, Daddy, and Santa had left him. Unfortunately, Ava took a peak at the presents before we woke up so we didn't get to see her initial reaction.  

We got Ava a  new bike!

Santa brought Ava some Hello Kitty make-up. Just what she asked for! 

Daddy got his favorite candy in his stocking....and not much else. I'm bad about stockings!

Oh there you are little guy. Good Morning and Merry Christmas!!!

"Connor, Santa came! Want to come see?"

Mommy and Daddy got a train table for the kids to share and Connor also got a basketball hoop. 

Papa and Nana sent Connor a blue truck to ride on. Such a hit!

Macy's Christmas fun was tearing up the boxes. 

Santa brought Connor a new truck book. 

I'm glad that Santa let the big gifts for the kids be from Mommy and Daddy. ;)

Happy girl on her new Little Mermaid bike that blows bubbles right into your face (poor design!). 

Little guy going cruising on his new car and trying to keep up with sissy. 

Later on that day some of the Vaughans came over, including our precious Granny Jean. 

We sure do love this sweet lady so much!

Christmas 2013 was another perfect Christmas! 

Christmas with Gigi and Bpop

When Gigi and Bpop were in town visiting for the ballet we had an early Christmas with them. 

Ava got a huge package full of Disney stuff!

She was THRILLED to have her own Elsa dress!

Connor loved his dinosaurs and tools from Gigi and Bpop as well!

Ava's Pre-K Christmas Program

Ava's school puts on a Christmas program every year and the 4's classes are the big stars of the show. Ava played one of the angels and did such a great job! She sang her little heart out and took her performance very seriously. We were so proud, especially her little brother who watched intently and kept pointing to his sissy and waving.

Her role as angel fit her perfectly! :)

Little brother beaming with pride for his big sissy

He just kept staring at her and smiling. 

Thumbs up (or pointer's up) for doing a good job sissy!

After the show they were off for cookies and juice

Ava and her sweet friend Lyla 

Decorating the tree

The kids had a great time decorating the Christmas tree this year.

 (as you will notice, I have no clue how to take those beautiful pictures of a glowing tree.)

Here is a before picture. Connor kept leaning into the tree. It must have tickled! 

Hanging some of the first ornaments

Haha!! I caught him leaning into the tree again. 

The excitement from decorating the tree brought out the silliness in these 3 (maybe I should say 4 because Macy wanted to be apart of the action too)