We have had a great December and been busy as usual for us this time of year.  A few weekends ago we went to Branson with our friends from Ft. Smith, kids and all.  I took Gabby to Silver Dollar City for the first time while poor Michael stayed in the room with Peter.  It stopped raining just as we pulled in the parking lot and turned out to be a perfect visit.  Unfortunately sleeping with both kids in one hotel room was not so perfect and not something we’ll try again.  Gabby gagged herself and let’s just say it’s not fun changing the sheets and bathing a screaming toddler at midnight.  Oh well!  We had a great time anyway. 

Last weekend was the Paladino Christmas party in Little Rock.  As always we had a great time with everyone and Gabby got to enjoy her big girl cousins again.  Peter Michael was in his usual  good mood and loved being held by everyone.

We spent Christmas in Berryville with my family and made visits back and forth between my mom and my dad.  Gabby had such a good time playing with her cousins and her Aunt and Uncles.  We definitely now have thoroughly spoiled children who will have to get back to reality this week.  And we’re also wondering, how in the world could two such small children have so many toys!  But thank you to everyone who provided them because they both love them all.   

Opening her present with Papa Dino.

Peter Michael opening his first ever Christmas present which was a ball popper thing that he loves.  Thanks Uncle Chris and Aunt Shelley!

The leaves were a big hit with the kids.

All lined up on the wall about to jump off into the leaves.  Except Gabby because “she might get hurt” as she said.  Maybe we’ve been a little too cautious with her. 

Here they go!

The ball popper thing.

MeeMaw with her girls. 

Michael had to take Gabby’s place on Santa’s lap.

Another first for Peter Michael.
 

Gabby loves her Uncle Chris.

Peter Michael in his new sweater that MeeMaw knit for him.  Perfect fit!

Our Family

Gabby lined up all her presents in a row on Christmas morning and is waiting to open them.

I love this look.

Gabby with her new princess pillow (which she is now sleeping with).

Trying out her new pillow and blanket.

Reading one of her new books and twisting her hair just like mommy used to do. 

This is what we look like without the kids attached (although if you look closely there’s a blonde head at the bottom of the picture) :)

Peter with Santa Clause again.  Santa needs to work on his smile.  :)

Uncle John was a big hit this weekend.