Droppin' hints...

With the holidays wrapping up, Camryn figured it was time to start looking towards her birthday in February. So yesterday, she presented me with a list of helpful ideas for gifts. Some are sensible, but then she throws a few in there that blow my mind. Perhaps she thought if she slipped them in between affordable options, we wouldn't notice? Just being helpful, I guess...

1. Zhu-zhu pet play area
2. Zhu-zhus
3. Zhu-zhu clothes
4. Flowers
5. Kitten
6. Things for the kitten
7. Books
8. Ticket to Disneyland
9. BFF bracelets
10. A ticket for me and Mommy to go to the beach
11. Dress ups (dresses and skirts and shirts)
12. Front row tickets to a Taylor Swift concert
13. Stuffed animal

Christmas Day

Despite some early concerns that a certain little girl might be on the naughty list, she pulled through, and SANTA CAME! Not only did he stop by, but he brought several of the most coveted items: A pink, sparkly, Taylor Swift guitar, and a Rapunzel Barbie doll, with accompanying Flynn Rider (prince), and even Pascal (charming sidekick/chameleon). Though these items alone would have sufficed, there was plenty more to open and enjoy as well. :)




Aubrey wasn't terribly excited about being photographed so early in the morning, but Camryn gave us plenty of fun faces to work with!




After decimating what seemed like a never-ending stack of packages, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for a delicious brunch, more gifts, and some relaxing time with aunties, uncles, grandparents, and cousin Keira. So fun! Merry Christmas!

Playing with our new toy (camera)

The aftermath

Semke Christmas Eve

Kisses for cousin

Grandma and Grandpa's Girls!

Crazy cousins

Aubrey *hearts* Christy

Uncle Bryan reads 'The Night Before Christmas'

Oooooh! Lights!

Santa visits!

Ornament exchange

Dessert!

Tired little elf...

Merry Christmas from the Baileys!

Early Xmas

We had the pleasure of starting Christmas a week early with Bob and Denise this weekend! Saturday, we cooked a huge holiday feast, then the girls enjoyed their warm baths before it was time for presents! They were spoiled rotten, as usual, opening lots of wonderful gifts from Mimi, Papa, and Uncle Rob. When asked, it was hard for them to choose a favorite gift, though the art supplies, princess piggy banks, squinkies, and sterling silver necklaces were top contenders.

Thank you, Mimi and Papa for such a fun weekend!

Girl Scout holiday community service

To assist the girls in understanding and earning their "Considerate & Caring" daisy petal, Julie and I arranged for them to visit a local nursing home, sing some Christmas carols, and deliver some holiday gifts. They were all a little nervous, but very excited to show off too. They all came dressed up in their party dresses, and added their Daisy smocks, Santa hats, and jingle bell necklaces to complete the look. :)

We walked the halls and sang to the residents at their doors, bringing many smiles to lots of "grandmas and grandpas."



Afterwards, Julie and I treated the girls to a well-deserved snack and cocoa at Starbucks. They were just so. darn. excited. to be out and about together, we could hardly contain them! Good work, Daisies! By being considerate and caring, you warmed many hearts, and made many people smile. :)