What a difference a year makes!!!

Here is a picture from our visit to Santa just last year...

Here is our picture this year...

I had been talking to Caroline all week about going to see Santa. And all week she was willing to sit in his lap and get her picture taken. The minute she saw him she said "NO." When we walked around to him she put her arms out for me to pick her up. We walked up to Santa and Kayla got on one knee. I put Caroline down. I was expecting the death grip that she had on Uncle Steve last year, but she let me put her down. She never cried. She actually almost smiled for the picture. She would not, however, take her hand out of her mouth. I have noticed that is what she does when she is nervous or uncomfortable. She sat on his knee the entire time we were there. He asked her if she wanted a babydoll and she said "yes". Later he asked her what else he could bring her. Her reply..."Elfy."

Kayla came prepared. Here is a picture of her and Santa studying the American Girl catalog. She showed him exactly which one she wanted, what her name is, and what outfit she should be wearing. Kayla and Santa are checking out the dolls while Caroline is checking out the big guy with the white beard.

My dad went with us to take video of the girls with Santa. I failed to mention I was bribing Caroline with a treat. Kayla told me that she was good, so her treat should be TCBY. You don't have to ask my dad twice for that. Off they go...

Another Grayson Pic

I had to post another picture of Grayson. Here he is with his mom. Andy and I went to see them today. He is absolutely adorable. I did not want to give him back. Brandy seemed to be doing really well.

Congratulations Brandy and Chris!!!

My friend Brandy had her baby today at 1:15 pm. He is 6 lb 10 oz, 19 inches long, and his daddy says he is perfect. I am so excited for both of them. This is their first baby. Welcome to the world Grayson Lane!!!

Christmas Parade

Kayla was in the Christmas Parade this weekend with her dance studio. The City puts on a pretty nice parade, and Kayla really enjoys getting to be a part of it. I dropped her off at 5:15 with another mom at the "float", and then I went to find a place to watch. The parade started at 6:00 and it was not long before we saw them coming...

She can't wait until she is in 3rd grade so she can do cartwheels instead of having to ride.

Cousin Nic was also in the parade. His mom works for the American Red Cross. He helped pass out hot chocolate to all of the parade participants before it started. Then he got to ride in the Red Cross vehicle. He is sticking his head out the window, and Donette is walking.

This just cracks me up. Until living here, I had never seen a beauty queen driving a tractor in a parade!

And no Christmas Parade is complete without a visit from Santa.

This is Kayla after the float arrived back at the dance studio. She was absolutely freezing. I should have put more layers on her. Oh well, I will do better next year!
The parade lasted about an hour, and then they have a pajama party at the studio. Kayla always wears the prior years Christmas pajamas from Jenny. They are always so cute. Kayla grew quite a bit this year...the pants were pretty short! I have a hard time getting Kayla to cooperate for pictures sometimes. She likes to run away from me or make faces like this...
She had a great time at the party. It was nearly 10:00 before I could drag her out of there. Junk food, loud music, dancing, and friends. She was not in a hurry to leave so she could go home and go to bed!