Vist from Grandma

December 1st we introduced the Christmas season to the girls.  First off we had The Elf on the Shelf come to our house.  Lexie named our Elf Jack, because he looks like a jack in the box, and we welcomed him to our family!  We read the book and explained the rules and the girls are totally into it this year.

Every morning they get up and search and search for him to see where he ended up after going to visit with Santa.  If you haven't heard of the Elf on the Shelf, look it up online and buy it!  You wont be sorry!

Ryan's Mom came into town that afternoon to spend a little bit of time with us since we won't be seeing them for Christmas this year.  She was wonderful.  We did so many fun things together! 

She made ornament angels for the girls to put on our tree....yes it is a pitiful tree but we are going to AZ for Christmas and didn't want to buy a real one that we could only enjoy for a week...Can't wait to get to AZ and decorate Nana and Papa's tree!

Grandma wanted to see the girls open all their Christmas presents she bought for them so she wrapped them up late one night and had them under the tree for them to open like we do on Christmas day.  Do you see how many presents are under there?  She spoils us so bad!  The girls LOVED it!

Shay and lexie both LOVED the Princess wrapping paper Aunt Nicole sent.

Ryan's sister Nicole's family had our family for Christmas this year.  And she made these DARLING skirts for the girls.  I still can't believe all the work she went to to make them for Lexie and Shay!  She must really love them a lot!  Aren't they DARLING?  She also made me a scripture tote--yes MADE me a scripture tote.  Wish I took a pic, but it is red and black with jewels...can't really go wrong with that!  Can't wait to go to church and show off!  Grandma bought the girls these dolls called Lala Loopsy.  Lexie slept with hers last night....Pretty sure they loved them too.  Oh and she got them these brown boots that are to die for!

Sunday night we Grandma made these darling gingerbread houses and the girls helped her decorate them. 

Shay and I watched Lexie and Grandma decorate while we ate the candy. 

Today we went to see Santa Clause.  Surprisingly, Lexie had no problem sitting on his lap.  She told him she wanted a Princess Aurora Dress up, and since Shay was too shy she made sure to tell him that she wanted a jack in the box really bad.  It was too cute!  I have a feeling this pic might go in her wedding video--isn't it precious?  I was so so proud of her. 

This was the closest Shay was going to get!

For a couple days Marie and I made these darling scrapbook Christmas trees.  We went to the  Antique barn here in Castle rock and loved them and figured they wouldn't be too hard to make, so Marie bought one and we copied it.  Love them!

 Saturday we got to go to the Brass Armadillo, which is a HUGE antique mall.  We all had fun there, and afterward went to the Quilt Museum in Golden, CO.  Then Marie treated us to some yummy local icecream and candy.

Isn't this a darling picture of the girls with Grandma?  We were so glad she could come and see us!  We miss living close to the Galbraith's but are so thankful we still get to see them sometimes.  Thanks Mom for coming!  We had a great time and can't wait for next time!  Thanks for all the presents, shopping, and for crafting it up with me!  We miss you!