'Tis the Season

With all of our busy holiday plans, we tried to squeeze in as many festivities as we could in the first two weeks of December, including four Christmas parties and two community events (which were all super fun!)

We were excited to participate in a popular Christmas event at our library: a reenactment of the children's book The Polar Express.

The event started with a reading of The Polar Express and each child received a bell and a coin for Santa's workshop.

We then rode a trolley around town until we got to the North Pole.

We were greeted by a local theater's performance of a Nutcracker dance and a very tired looking Santa.

Eliza was being bashful or just didn't like this Santa...

She then got to buy a toy with her coin and decorate our hilarious Santa photo.

A week later, we let her open some gifts with some Christmas music. Her excitement with unwrapping was just adorable. She made sure to put every piece of wrapping paper on the couch before she would continue to her next gift.

Her smiles for each gift made all the shopping and effort worth it.

She also thanked us with kisses (Santa got cookies).

I love this sweet, animated, thoughtful little girl! 

This Christmas season has been just magical so far!

Family Photos 2015

We were lucky to have two talented photographers take our family photos this fall. Lauren Allred took the first set of photos below and Taylor Hartman took the second.

I am so grateful for my little eternal family and grateful for the candid moments captured.

(This Daddy's girl)

              

Taylor's photos

Thank you both!

Stanfield Thanksgiving 2015

Thanksgiving is almost my favorite holiday. Family, coziness, delicious food, the anticipation and beginning of the celebration of Christmas all make it exciting and memorable.

This year I am thankful for...
Kenny and Eliza
My whole family
Christmas
Love
Adventure
Jesus Christ
Repentance
Books
Photography
Nature
Amazing friends

I always love starting the day with the Macy's Day parade. Poor Eliza was sick, but we still cuddled up and watched it.

The kids and adults could not pass up the beautiful 60 degree weather.

Eliza and I matched for the occasion.

Mom and Hailey looked over photos of our ancestors.

Andrew and Hailey explored the back woods with their boys.

They had a little "stick" fencing.

Meanwhile, Mom and Caroline painted wood blocks for nativity scenes.

And I made a salami, cheese, and crackers turkey, which was devoured quickly after he was made (poor Mr. Turkey).

We were happy when Nana and Lauren, James, and their kids arrived.

Sweet Loralee

 (Nana helped feverish Eliza feel better)

The kids had a blast playing Pieface with Mom.

There were several tender, precious moments.

Finally, it was time to eat.

(Well, for most of us ;) )

After dinner, the kids played and then watched Little Rascals (fitting). :)

Once they were in bed, the adults were treated with Roman Holiday and pie.

Happy Thanksgiving! (a week later)