Granny Sue's visit

Granny Sue, we miss you! It was so great having GS here for just over three weeks. Reese LOVED her special time with her Granny and she was such a huge help to Scott and I. Scott was busy studying for finals and playing hockey so it was great to have some extra help around the house. I basically had a three week vacation which I must say was pretty nice! Of course Granny came with lots of treats for Reese which she loved, especially her tent/tunnel and backpack full of buddies. Also, gave Scott and I a chance to get out a few times for dinner and drinks which is always a treat. Oh and I can't forget to mention Granny's awesome cleaning skills, our place was sparkling by the time she left. We had so much fun with you and appreciate all your help, thank you so much for coming GS, we love you!

15 months

Time sure flies by when you're chasing around a toddler! 15 months has come and gone in the blink of an eye. Reese is so busy these days, it's an effort just to keep up. We're not sure about her stats because things are done a little differently here in Wales but rest assured the girl is definitely a growing! She is starting to talk more and more but sticks to simple things like hi and bye. She knows her animal sounds (dog, cat, monkey, cow, sheep, lion, and snake) and usually obliges when you ask her what each says. We have a short video of it so will try and post soon. She's always on the move and loves to play hide and seek, peek-a-boo, read her books, kiss all of her 'buddies', talk on all of her phones and dance to music. Oh and did I forget to mention about her feisty little attitude. She will definitely let you know when she isn't getting what she wants, mini tantrums and all. Hoping those are just a phase but have a feeling it's just the beginning!

Christmas in Wales

We woke up bright and early Christmas morning to do stockings which Reese attacked as soon as she got in the living room! She tore right into hers....and ours too. We had homemade cinnamon rolls with our coffee then moved on to presents. Reese was really into opening gifts this year, pulling paper off of any and everything. After gifts, we enjoyed bacon brunch for breakfast then took a long afternoon snooze, all three of us. We celebrated Christmas dinner with friends which is always nice, especially when we can't be home.

Here are a few pics- Reese writing a letter to Santa, stockings, opening stockings, hanging with her buddies Laura and Stu, and posing with sweet little Blakely in front of the tree.

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!