Christmas 2016

Milly's First Christmas Day...

I don't think I noted her birthmarks in my last posts. I didn't even realize she has a rather large one on the back of her head because she has so much hair! 

(under her nose, between the eyes and on left eye, and on the back of her head above her neck)

I love her sweet faces! 

My heart is full. 

Christmas Day...

Christmas Eve...

Avery and Bryce made sure they put out reindeer food again this year. They also left cookies out for Santa. 

Santa came and left lots of things the kids asked for. Bryce and Avery both got Ipod Touches. Avery got the skateboard she wanted and Bryce got a Hulk remote control car. Milly got a cute backpack, some toys, and clothes.  They were really excited about everything they got. Well, Milly could've cared less, but Avery and Bryce were happy! 

Burney left two small gifts that he wrapped himself. 

As I looked at our tree holding Milly on Christmas Eve, I found myself so overwhelmed and thankful for God's blessings this past year. We are so blessed with Jake's new job and the addition of Milly to our family. The "good" that God has given us after the season of pain we've been through sure is nice. It's also great that we were able to give so much more to those who really need it this Christmas. We donated to our church's mission projects in the Delta and Haiti and the Manning Fund at Batson. There is a lot to feel good about this Christmas!

We went to Grammy's as usual for Christmas Eve; however, this year, we were able to go to one of the Christmas Eve services at Pine Lake because it began at 3. We were right on time after getting all 3 kids ready and out of the door, so we ended up on the floor against the wall with the huge crowd that came for that service! It ended up being better than it sounds because we were to the side and not trying to get the kids to sit still in chairs! The candle light was beautiful and a true reminder of what Christmas is all about.  We had fun at Grammy's and ate some yummy food. Papaw M. and Grammy gave Bryce a cool corn hole game that Papaw made himself which was really neat. 

Rebelthon Christmas Party...

Avery and Bryce had a great time hanging out with our Rebelthon friends at Miss Ashley's house in Brandon. They decorated cookies, colored, pinned a nose on Frosty, played the piano, rough-housed, and Bryce and Milly sat in Santa's lap! Santa gave each of them a bag of goodies (even Avery who wouldn't get near him). Santa also cleared up that Bryce was saying he wants a "watch' when he says "werch"! Everything was awesome, and it continues to warm my heart how these young adults give so much time and effort to put smiles on our kids' faces. They are all truly remarkable individuals, and I hope my own children are like them when they get to college!

Milly and Bryce got the cutest Santa pictures! I am sad Avery wouldn't get in on these! She is all that is missing! These were from the milk and cookie event at Campbell's bakery. 

Milly's First Christmas, Bryce's 3rd Christmas

Avery was Student of the Month at school this month! She also got placed front and center during her class's Christmas sing-a-long performance because everyone loved the way she danced and sang to the song at the 1st grade program! She wore antlers and a tutu, and they announced "Featuring Avery Bell" on the mic when she got on stage. She definitely loves to perform and isn't shy about it like her mommy was! She may get some dance moves from me, but she gets her personality from her daddy! 

PJ Day at PLE...

Christmas Party...

We made gf cookies and homemade gum drops....

 

Bryce had Grinch Day at school, and this was the most he'd dress up! 

We went to see the Country Place luminaries...

 

Avery and Bryce play together really well most of the time, and I am SO glad about that. Crazy kids...

This is the angel ornament Avery made at school this year.

Bryce made this snowman with his own fingerprints. It is also around the same height as him.

Mr. Matt and Mrs. Heather came to visit and brought dinner and presents for the kids.  Avery played Matt in a game of pie face, and it was pretty comical! They are such sweet people, and we appreciate their friendship more than they know. Avery and Bryce love them too! 

Sweet baby face...

Canton Lights...

Of course, my favorite Christmas tradition is going to Canton. The kids were so hyper after being stuck inside with rain for several days. It was pretty cold, but Milly was nice and toasty in her seat all covered up, and we were only there about an hour. The lights didn't disappoint! Avery and Bryce even spoke to Mrs. Claus, and she read them a bit of a story. I guess as long as it is Avery's idea, she is fine with it. 

Bryce's Christmas Program and Breakfast at Hinds...

Bryce kills me! His facial expressions are hilarious, and I often wonder if he should be in acting. He came into the room pointing his fingers at me and smiling so big. He was so excited to perform for me. He was so cute! He looked at me while we ate sausage biscuits and said, "Mommy, I am so glad you are here with me." He may be wild, but he is a boy after his mommy's heart. I enjoy him so much!

Carols by Candlelight...

Avery and Daddy had a great time at FBJ (Pop's church). Avery was excited to spend some special time with her favorite guy. 

PLE First Grade Christmas Program...

Avery was a star and did such a great job singing and getting her groove on! I love to watch her, but so do lots of other people! She just exudes so much spirit and joy. The reindeer song was our favorite because she got into it so much. 

Shiloh Live Nativity...

Braxton Christmas Parade...

Snuggly little thing...

Avery has some awesome teachers. It was her classmate's birthday and they had cupcakes. Mrs. McInnis didn't want Avery to go without a sweet treat. 

They are so silly...

Milly's first tummy time...

Avery, Bryce, and Milly...Milly's face is hysterical!

I don't think she is ready to "Back-pack" yet!

Our best gift under the tree...all ready to go to the live nativity for her first time. 

Our girls...

Bryce and Avery ready for church...

Bass Pro...Avery did not want to sit in Santa's lap this year, and she said that it was not the same Santa that she saw last year any way! Bryce sat in his lap and took a great picture! Just like last year, Avery decided after we'd seen Santa several times that she wanted to go take a picture with him. Daddy took her back to Bass Pro, and Bryce sat in his lap while Avery stood in front of him just like she wanted. My little control freak, ha! 

The time they went BACK to BP for Avery...

Nakey Milly...

One Month Old...

Mrs. Tara (who works with Mommy) gave her this pretty pink cap...

Milly turned one month old! She wore Avery's first Christmas dress in the pictures I took. This shows the size difference between the two girls. Avery was about 6 months old her first Christmas! At 1 month, Milly is still sleeping a lot. She actually had her days and nights mixed up, but we've been working on that. She was fussing a bit at night and wanting to nurse a ton rather than sleep! She is doing better lately, and Mommy is getting more sleep too! Milly continues to make lots of funny faces, and she grunts and groans a ton like her brother, Bryce, did! She is very strong and has no problem lifting that head and moving it around. She recently noticed that she has hands and a tongue! She sucks on her fingers some and makes funny faces sticking her tongue out. 

Mrs. Brandi took some beautiful pictures of Milly, and she got a good shot of all three of my babies for our Christmas card. 

Avery sang at Jingle Bell Market with the First Grade Singers. Daddy, Bryce, Grammy, Papaw, and Kali watched her in the rain, while Mommy and Milly waited it out in the car. Mommy got to watch it on video though, and she did great! 

Milly's long feet and toes...

Avery is still in to watching Youtube videos, and she came across a pizza challenge at some point. She likes to play games as a reward for her good grades, etc., so this time, Daddy and Avery did their own pizza challenge. Yuck! After actually tasting her pizza, she said she didn't need to do that one again! Daddy is always a good sport!

Ready for church...

Campbell's Bakery Cookies and Milk with Santa...

Bryce and his Gingerbread Man in Disguise for school...

Merriment at Lost Rabbit in Madison...The kids made s'mores, got candy and hot chocolate, bounced in the bouncy house, played in the snow, and danced to the band! It was fun, and Milly slept in the sling the whole time!

Bryce is a "Jingle Bell" boy. He was singing as he decorated the tree in his room. The boy has spirit!

We visited the Richardson Light Show again this year. It never disappoints!

Sweet babies...

Burney the Elf came back and brought some Christmas PJs!

Milly is busy growing!

She's also busy being SO stinking cute!