Christmas Highlights (part I)

We've had quite the whirlwind Christmas vacation, here in Texas. It seems we've had one celebration after another, and we're still not done yet!
We started off with a little gift-giving at Mims and Pops house...

Nothing like a good bear hug from your Pops!

...or a little snuggle with my Aunt Brooke

Isla has been such a sport, getting into all her First Christmas spirit.

One of our highlights has been spending time with our cousin, Isabela. She drove up all the way from Del Rio just to spend some time with us.

Most of the time, we were a couple of Giggle Monkeys!

We left a message with Santa that we'd be spending Christmas Eve at Aunt Brooke and Uncle Mark's. I'm so glad he remembered, and dropped off lots of goodies while we slept! In fact, I was a little overwhelmed when I took in the beautiful site of all those gifts under the tree!

Isla didn't have any such qualms.

Daddy helping us inspect the goods.

I'm all about everything ballerina these days, so I was super-excited to receive a leotard, skirt and ballet slippers. In fact, I haven't worn much of anything else since!

At the end of the day, we braved the brisk weather for a little game of aerobee - Isla kept warm in the cheering section.

What a wonderful Christmas!

Festivities Galore

My school held its annual Christmas Pageant this week. We've been working very hard to perfect our song and dance routine, and I was ready to take the stage!

We had a chance for a photo op before the show. My friend, Michael and I - so camera-ready! ;)

When it was my class' turn, I acted as if I was born to perform!

No stage-fright here - Mommy was amazed, and so proud!

However, the next morning we met Santa for breakfast at the Embassy. I wasn't too sure about this up-close-and-personal encounter with The Big Guy. Isla had a case of the curiousities, but was otherwise unfazed...

I guess with a stocking full of goodies, I can be bribed into anything.

P.S. - Santa had to forgo his usual, black boots in favor of more Brazilian attire!

~Avery