Hot chocolate -- YUM!

All of that decorating made for one thirsty girl, so we enjoyed a nice cup of hot chocolate! When we were home sick one of our good friends, Rebecca, brought us some hot chocolate mix with mini-marshmallows and chocolate chips, for when we were feeling better. With all of this cold weather it was a perfect treat. In fact it was Olivia's first time to have hot chocolate, but I have a feeling it won't be the last! She loved adding the marshmallows and chocolate chips and then stirring it up!

We're Alive!!!

We are finally emerging from our hole! I know we have been MIA lately, but with good reason. As most everyone knows we have had our share of illnesses for the last week or so! First, Olivia came down with her first ever stomach bug. It actually wasn't too bad. Until I got it! Then, just as we thought she was over being sick, she came down with a cold, fever, and then an ear infection. So we have literally been home sick for a week and a half. Which is forever around our house. We are always out and about doing something, so it has really put a cramp in our style! Especially with Christmas lurking around the corner. But now that we are all on the mend (I hope!), we have a lot to make up for! I bought a gingerbread house for Olivia and I to do months ago. So today was finally the day. We had a great time and Olivia really enjoyed decorating... and eating a handful of gumdrops! :) When we were finished, she said, and I quote, "Mommy you are the best gingerbread house maker ever!" It was so cute! She really had a good time!

It is tough work trying to keep the house glued together!

Deep in thought decorating

It's starting to come together!

The finishing touches

A Day at the Salon

So, I ran out to Target this evening and when I arrived home I went upstairs to find Olivia doing Denny's hair. The best part to me is her outfit! She is wearing her pajama pants, her dress-up hair-styling "cloak" (as Denny called it), and her Minnie Mouse gloves!!! She is also wearing heels, which shows she has alot to learn about this profession.

Here she is curling Denny's hair

Then it's time for the blow-out.

She really does resemble a chatty stylist and Denny the bored patron!

And finally the cut! She kind of went in reverse, but hey, she's learning! And, I'm not sure why, but for some reason she had him lie down for his cut, which was performed with her fingers. Better than scissors, I wouldn't want her getting any ideas. So far we have managed to escape that right of passage!

I took this picture just to capture the outfit from head to toe

All of these services for only $3.00 - not too bad. And you get to lie down for the haircut, something I wish my stylist would let me do!

Trimming the Tree

After our soggy drive home from Houston Sunday we decided to put up our Christmas tree. We decided to put up our smaller tree this year instead of our 9 ft. monster. Not only is it 2 feet shorter, but it is a slim-line, so it really looks small in our living room. I am still trying to get used to it. However it is also pre-lit, so that made our decision for us! I guess our next purchase should be a 9 ft. pre-lit.... Anyway, Olivia was so excited to put the tree up and help decorate!

Olivia was also excited to hang the stocking by the chimney with care! Here is what we found when we walked into the family room after finishing up the tree!

She had told us she was going to hang up the stockings and we were like, okay, sure! :) Little did we know that she had actually found a way to make it happen. We let her finish her task and they are still hanging there today! It was so cute and every time I look at the fireplace I can't help but laugh!

Thanksgiving in Houston

For Thanksgiving this year we headed down to Houston! Thanksgiving is always so much fun down there! Bumpa and Gigi host dinner, and supply the (large) turkey, and then everyone else brings their specialty, ranging from wine to green bean casserole and stuffing!!! There were 20 people in all, dispersed amongst 3 tables. So, needless to say it was loud, but a ton of fun. It took Olivia awhile to warm up to everyone, but by the end she had them all wrapped around her little finger! She played Barbies with Aunt Nancy, got a precious shirt from Aunt Belinda, and took turns taking each of her 3 uncles on a castle hunt. The day ended with a swim in the spa! It was freezing outside, but that did not deter her! Bumpa was kind enough to accompany her, and then not to anger when she wanted out only 20 minutes after getting into the water! Here are a few pictures from our holiday!

Uncle Ryan and Olivia watching cartoons

Uncle Alex and Olivia at the kid's table

The adult table

Post dinner swim in the spa... cleaning the bricks

Bumpa & Olivia trying to stay warm

Uncle Adam's puppy was hungry so Olivia brought

her some tea and cookies

Telling Sophia Maria goodbye