Visit to Santa

We've been searching all over the past couple of weeks trying to find somewhere to visit Santa. Last weekend we were able to track him down! We met a few friends for lunch and then off to see Santa and his reindeer. Reese climbed right up in his sleigh with him for a few pictures before deciding she wasn't so sure and quickly jumped back in our arms. Mighty young looking Santa here in Cardiff, Wales!

We are busy making last minute preparations for Christmas. Looking forward to homemade cinnamon rolls and bacon brunch in the morning followed by a big dinner with friends that night.

To all of our friends and family near and far, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Cookie Bake

Last week we had friends over for our annual cookie bake. I spent the day before mixing dough, rolling and baking cookies, and making frosting to prepare for decorating. We had well over 100 cookies but had lots of help with decorating (and eating) them all. It's fun to carry on some of my favorite Christmas traditions with Reese and cookie decorating is no exception!

Reese is an early cookie lover, although nobody is really surprised by that. She kept climbing up on the couch and then trying to climb on the table where the cookies were cooling to steal a few. I think she managed to sneak one when I couldn't get to her fast enough, quickly shoving a bite in her mouth before I could take it away, then acting like nothing happened.

Random Pics

Here are a few random shots over the last few months. Just trying to catch up on pictures!

Lots of fun things over the last few months in preparation for the holidays. Making friends at the baby cafe, climbing into the cupboards, helping mommy clean, playing in the first snow, seeing Beauty and the Beast on ice, and visiting the Christmas market in town.

More pics of Christmas fun to come soon!

Tis the Season

Taking our annual trip to the tree farm with my family is one of my favorite Christmas memories. Searching for the perfect one, cutting it down, hauling it home, and decorating it was always so much fun. It was one of my mom's favorites too so those memories will always hold a special place in my heart. Well, I want to carry on that tradition with Reese so Sunday we went out in search of our perfect tree. It's a little harder to find tree farms where we can actually cut our own down but we still managed to find a great tree.

Reese was in awe when she woke from her nap and saw a tree in our living room. She loves to ooh and ahh and reach for the lights and ornaments without actually touching them. She seems a little scared to get too close which is the complete opposite of what I was expecting. Hope she stays that way since a good push would definitely knock it down!

All the decorations are now up, the tree is trimmed, and most of the shopping is down. We are having some friends over tomorrow for our cookie bake. We can't wait for Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We celebrated Thanksgiving a day early this year due to Scott's busy schedule. Had four other couples here for a big turkey day feast. All the food was excellent and it was great hanging with friends, catching up, and playing games. It was such a fun night!

Reese loved her turkey dinner too, gobbled it right up! Not that it's too surprising, she loves her food :)

We're thankful for such a wonderful family, great friends and so much love and happiness in our lives. Miss you all!

Halloween Fun in Wales

Even though Halloween isn't as big here in Wales, we tried to keep our family traditions in place with Reese. She dressed up in three different costumes, a watermelon, witch, and a doctor. She looked as cute as ever in all three!

Scott had a road game today so we carved pumpkins yesterday so he could take part. Reese, however, didn't do much in the way of helping or diving in. She was a little unsure of the pumpkins this year. She did get brave enough to finally 'pet' the pumpkins but then would quickly run away.

I brought her trick-or-treating at the neighbors and she had a ball trying to get as much candy into her little bag as possible. A girl after my own heart, I tell ya!

Here are some pictures of all the fun.

Life as a 1 year old

A little glimpse into the life of a busy one year old...complete with silly faces, new tricks and tantrums!

Party Pics