Christmas in Dallas 2011

We headed to Dallas for Christmas with Ashley's family. That just seemed like the best place for all of us to meet up. We had a wonderful weekend of catching up with each other and staying busy watching three little ones! Isabella and her cousin Bryson were receiving lots of hugs, tickles, and laughs from their uncle DJ (aka uncle Boogie). Jackson would pose more for the camera than Isabella. All three had a blast playing together.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

On a rare occasion, Bella Grace decided to pose for the camera in her Christmas dress. Of course, it was after I took her hair out of the bow, but it still turned out great! Last night, we made a birthday cake for Jesus, lit a candle (had to use the 1 year candle), and sang happy birthday to the One we celebrate at this time of the year. Thank you Jesus for coming for us!!

Bell Ringing and the reason we celebrate

Jesus calls us to help others, and that is exactly what we do and try to teach Isabella. Since Brian and I have been married, we have always rung the bell for the Salvation Army every Christmas season. For the past two years, we have done the same thing with Isabella. She loves ringing the bell and hopefully grasping the concept of sharing Jesus's love by helping others. Some of our friends from our Sunday School class also helped and that is Jeffrey in the picture with Bella. Isabella loves wearing her Jesus shirt and telling everyone Happy Birthday Jesus!

Santa Claus aka Daddy

Isabella and I went to daddy's work Christmas party. Brian played Santa for the kids that were present. When he came out of the back, I told Isabella: "Look! It's Santa Claus!" and she said:That daddy:). I said its Santa and he started to walk toward her and she started to cry and hold on for dear life to me.

Visits with Santa

We went to eat breakfast with Santa at Chick-Fil-A one Saturday a couple of weeks ago. Isabella was cautious and would not approach Santa without daddy. Thankfully, Brian was able to get a quick picture while we was working. The Saturday after breakfast at Chick-Fil-A we went to eat pancakes with Santa at Applebee's. This time, Isabella ran right up to Santa and gave him a great big hug! She also posed for the picture. She also had fun dancing with the Christmas bear.

Pineville Christmas Parade

This year, Isabella and I met up with Kristi, Scott, Nathan, and Matt for the Christmas parade in Pineville. Brian was in the parade, along with the Chick-Fil-A cows. He drove the pickup and the cows rode in the back when they were tired of walking. Isabella loved the parade and really loved seeing daddy in it. She was bundled up and stayed real warm. She also caught lots and lots of candy!

Lights and Fireworks in Natchitoches 2011

We went to Natchitoches the first weekend in December to see the fireworks and ligts along the river. Bella Grace loved seeing the fireworks that went off to music and seeing the lights along the river. Mom and dad managed to navigate their way through the crowds and enjoyed the fun just as much as Isabella.

Final 2011 Christmas Pictures with Brian's Family

Bella Grace insisted on Grann and Aunt Suzie giving her a bath and both were more than happy to do so. She loves her popsicle soap and so did Grann and Aunt Suzie. Before Grann and Papa B left on Sunday, we had to take those final pictures. I loved everyone's expressions! We had a blast and made many sweet memories! Thanks so much for coming to see us everyone and we love you!

More Fun with Family in 2011

In the picture with Papa B, Isabella waited patiently until Papa B finished up some things on the computer to play with her. Bella loves hugs and could not get enough of them with Aunt Suzie!

More pictures of Christmas in Alexandria 2011

Aunt Suzie, Erika (Ka Ka as Bella calls her), Mimi and Joe came in on Friday to join in the festivies. Isabella loved playing with everyone and loved all the attention. Not only does Bella love shoes and clothes, but she also loves jewelry. She is eyeing the bracelet that Mimi was wearing.

Thanksgiving/Christmas with Grann and Papa B 2011

Due to the fact that three women were pregnant at the same time, all due within three months of each other, on Brian's side, circumstances allowed Thanksgiving and Christmas to be celebrated at our home in Alexandria, LA, minus Brian's sister and brother-in-law (they welcomed their daughter into the world a few weeks early). In the above pictures, Isabella wanted to write, just like Grann, so of course she got paper and pen and started writing. Papa always pinches Bella's cheeks, and she knows that, so she returned the favor later that night;).

Turkey Trot 2011

We stayed in Alexandria this year for Thanksgiving
and Isabella and Brian walked in the Turkey Trot
that the Fellowshp of Christian Athletes held.
Isabella did not want to walk the mile, nor did she
want to ride in the stroller, so of course Brian
did the only logical thing left-he carried her for the
whole mile:). I stayed at home to rest, not wanting to overdo it and cause the arrival of Lilly to come
earlier than expected.

At a friend's birthday party

Later in the month, Isabella went to Nathan's birthday party. Nathan got a bunny for one of his presents and Isabella loved holding the bunny and playing with Hop. Nathan's grandma was kind enough to sit close to Isabella and Hop while Isabella was holding the bunny. And of course she loved the cake!!

Pecan Festival 2011

Brian was so sweet, he volunteered to go get food for Isabella and himself. The rest of us already got something, so we finished while we waited for him. Isabella enjoyed visiting and playing with Nathan, Matt, and Mrs. Kristi. She also enjoyed relaxing with them and playing with Nathan and Matt's fishing poles when they would let her;).

Pecan Festival 2011

To carry on a tradition started last year with our friends the Morins, we headed out to the pecan festival the first weekend in November. Isabella, Nathan, and Matt enjoyed the parade and caught a lot of candy. Isabella loved getting her face painted. She picked out the sunshine, I think that is so fitting, since she brings so much joy and sunshine to our lives.