There simply wasn't time to open presents from Lala and Poppy on Christmas day, so we went for a visit a couple of days later. In fact, my Aunt, Uncle, and Grandparents came to town from the Midwest a few days after Christmas, so we had a whole week of festivities. It was great family time, and we've got plenty of new toys to keep us entertained for a long time!
Christa and Abby Kate were excited to get "bon-e-rows." (Bow and Arrow sets from Brave). Christa was quite good at shooting the arrow after a little practice.
Since Abby Kate loves to dress up so much, she got the whole set. That is some crazy hair! She slept in the whole costume that night!
It was very cold after Christmas, so we practiced our bike riding in our closed garage. Shortly after we took this picture, we remembered to put on our helmets :)
Christa is a great little bike rider already!
Earlier this year, Cline's great Aunt Carolyn gave us an amazing heirloom dollhouse for the girls. I've been collecting dollhouse furniture with each of the girls since they were born. Each year for Christmas, Cline and I get them a set; it's our only present to them other than a book from Daddy. I'd planned to get them each a house around age 5 or 6... or maybe request one from Santa. I'd assumed I would get it from Pottery Barn Kids, since that was the easiest place to find the furniture each year. But Aunt Carolyn had this great doll house that she really wanted to be put to use. Cline and Chas had actually played with it growing up. (Don't judge - this house has so many tiny, antique accessories, any child or adult, boy or girl, could be entertained for hours)! Aunt Carolyn's husband had built this house for her after they were married, and she'd accumulated great furniture and accessories. Her granddaughter loves horses, and doesn't play with dolls, so the house is now resting happily in Christa's room.
The girls were thrilled to get this great surprise a few days after Christmas.
Mommy had tons of fun arranging all of the furniture and tiny accessories. There are miniature newspapers, books, pots and pans, a spool of thread, hat racks.... the list goes on and on!
We decided that the attic would be the best place for most of the Pottery Barn furniture, so that we could leave the vintage charm to the rest of the house. We combined the upstairs bathroom and nursery.
Upstairs bedroom.
2nd floor bedroom, with sewing table, tiny rug, coat rack...
I love the porcelain claw foot tub, vintage toilet, and sink!
The desk to the right is a roll top desk - that really rolls up and down!
There were even Christmas decorations for the foyer!
That is actual "china" for the China cabinet. And fireplace accessories, too!
The kitchen was especially fun to arrange. The cast iron stove said "princess" on it. It's at least 20 or 30 years old, so it was fun to see it marked with the official "girl" logo. There were tiny dish towels, place mats, etc.
It's a gorgeous house, and has already been enjoyed for hours!!
My family decided to have a big get-together the Saturday after Christmas. All of my mom's side of the family was there, except for my Uncle and 2 cousins. Cline smoked some BBQ, which was a challenge with the cold weather, but the food was delicious.
And the company was superb!
It is now 11:30 on Dec. 31. In a half hour, I will ring in the New Year with Cline. I can't help but feel so thankful and blessed for another great year with the best family I could ask for! We're looking forward to great things in 2013 and wish all of our family and friends a Happy New Year!
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