AAAAHHHhhhhhhhhh....Christmas. My absolute FAVORITE time of year. I know that sounds like a cliche, but it's completely the truth. I begin looking forward to Christmas in January :) I think the reason why I am so happy during this season is because growing up it was always magical for me. Christmas was such a wonderful time for my family. My grandfather, Pappy, was the master of Christmas. He spent days, weeks even preparing his tree and his home for all of the festivities. Mamaw always had special treats to eat (not that she didn't the rest of the year, too!). I remember counting packages, then finding excuses to go back to their house later just to update the count. I remember staying up all night with Gretchen listening to see if we could hear anything, such as presents spilling out of a large velvet bag into our living room. I remember opening up our christmas PJs and the way the new material always smelled and felt the first time I wore it. I remember Mamaw in the kitchen preparing Christmas dinner and then eating it off of her special plates. But most of all, I just remember my family. The fun, the laughing, the love. That feeling is something that I crave all year. It makes me miss Mamaw and Pappy so badly I can taste it. But in place of that sadness, I remember all the good times. I remember how I felt and how much I want Claire to experience what they gave me. That isn't to say I don't feel loved the rest of the year, but there is nothing like that Christmas feeling. There is nothing like those fun times. There is nothing like those memories. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. I hope Claire feels the same way one day.
The Arledge Home
Preparing to bake cookies for the first time!
The gingerbread family was hugging :)
Daddy's idea of cookie-making fun!
My little cook!
Opening Christmas PJs and finding a new friend to spend Christmas Eve night with!
Modeling her new gown and slippers before heading to bed
Wow, I think Santa tripped in our living room!
Hooray! Mom got a laptop!!
Claire got mommy a printer, too!!
Is this all for me???
My sweet Mama helping prepare Christmas brunch
My first solo batch of homemade biscuits. Aunt Debbie, I hope I made you proud!!
Christmas Brunch
Claire's new doctor kit
Her new 'noculars!
Who's that???
Daddy, Claire, and Annabelle watching the snow fall
Claire playing with her new buddies
Gigi and her gifts
Mama helping open the gifts
Keyboard=FUN!
Lee and his brothers, Jamie and Michael
Claire opening gifts from G-Daddy and La-La
Daddy and Claire playing with the doll house. Claire has such a good daddy!
Grandaddy putting together the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...with Claire supervising, of course.
What a perfect ending to a perfect day!
