Meeting Santa

Last night we went to Lights of Lakeland with Noni and Zampie and a couple of their friends, Ken and Beth. This is our second year going and I hope it continues to be a tradition for us. A local church puts it together and it's pretty amazing. More than I can describe in words. I should have taken more pictures. Anyway, one of the highlights is meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus. Avery and Paige first got to write a letter to Santa to ask what they want for Christmas. Now that I think about it, the letter isn't really necessary since they are on their way inside to actually meet Santa.

In case you were wondering, Avery asked for a Safari Barbie and a teddy bear and Paige asked for a Pillow Pet.

Santa and the Mrs. were very nice and they always take plenty of time to make the girls feel confortable. Paige was hesitant at first but finally warmed up to them.

They also do a whole journey through Bethlehem that is quite impressive. You really do feel like you are walking through Bethlehem, complete with live animals such as camels, goats and lamb. Definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit. :)

Singing in church

All of the kids at our church getting ready to sing a few Christmas songs. Nothing better than watching little kids sing.

Check out Avery singing - way into it!

I did have video of them singing but I can't seem to get it to upload. I'll try again later

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

Ah, Christmas time. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Especially when you have little ones. I love all the traditions and excitement and fun things to do together as a family. As you can see from the above picture, we are even having some Christmas-like weather. Every year, Lakeland has a great Christmas parade and Adam was even able to join us. Here they are watching the floats go by.

Our semi-decorated Christmas tree. We finally broke down and bought a new one this year. I was tired of stringing lights so thankfully this one is pre-lit. The girls could not wait to decorate it so I let them put a few ornaments on it before going to bed. Then I finished putting ribbon on and fixing the ornaments. (Not sure why this pic is out of order. I uploaded it with the other tree pics but blogger seems to have a mind of it's own.)

Paige, Avery and Jake waiting very patiently for the parade to start. Most of you have heard of Jake at some point or another. In case you haven't, he is Avery's "boyfriend." I know, scary.

Paige adding her ornaments.

Halloween

Halloween was a whole weekend of festivities this year. The night before, we went out in downtown Winter Haven with some friends for Goul's Night Out. Avery dressed as a black cat and Paige was a bunny ballerina. We had a great time!

Then on Halloween night we went trick or treating with some friends in their neighborhood. Our neighborhood still lacks houses so it wasn't much of an option for us. Avery wanted to wear her Thumbalina costume from last year and Paige wanted to wear Avery's dance costume from her recital last year. No need to buy new ones when we have so much to choose from already! This was their first time going door to door trick or treating. (Actually my first time too!) Super fun!

Enjoying a little bit of the loot once we got home. :)

Paige turns 3!!

Paige insisted on having her birthday party this year at Chuck E Cheese. I will admit that I wasn't thrilled about the idea at first but it ended up being a great party and quite possibly one of my favorites so far! I can't believe my baby is three years old!! She needs to stop this growing up thing. I can really say that I no longer have a baby - just a beautiful little girl who amazes me more and more every day. LOVE HER!!

Daddy got to go in the ticket blaster with her. Paige didn't care for it too much. She kept brushing the tickets off while Adam was trying to grab them!

Watching the birthday song and dance with Chuck E and the party hosts. I have to admit I sang along - the song is the same one from when I worked at Chuck E Cheese over ten years ago!