Finishing Up December

This month has been so full of activities and fun family times. Today has been the most restful, though--full of playing on the play ground, roller skating, bike riding, playing dress-up, building a gingerbread house, etc. No schedules, no time frames. It was so nice. What a great way to end the year!

Here's a look at our Christmas in North Carolina:

Cherish prayed for two things: Moon Dough and snow...

Cherish's first time on a sled:

We hope our readers have a WONDERFULLY BLESSED New Year!

Bethlehem Visit and Gaither Homecoming

Every year we head out to visit "Bethlehem"--a huge outreach done by a local church. This year, Cherish was fearless and wanted to experience everything. She was running over to animals and petting them before we even knew it. In years past, we had to coax her to even put her hand out.

She even pet the camel!

Getting ready to make a woven bracelet:

Then we had a MARVELOUS night with the Gaithers! It was their last night on tour before Christmas. Bill Gaither was moved to tears over and over again. It was a highlight of our season of celebration!

Cherish stayed awake for the full four hours and thoroughly enjoyed herself! (As was evidenced by her dancing and singing.)

Time out for gingerbread:

Cherish Turned 4

We had an enjoyable celebration. Cherish had a princess party and enjoyed the company of four little friends--each of whom dressed the part. Also, daddy dressed up as the king, and mommy dressed up as the queen.

We began the party with hair, "make up" (sparkles), and nails, followed by "princess" games. The little ones transformed into the part they were playing. It was so cute!

"Princess Says" (like "Simon Says"):

My first attempt at a decorative cake:

So-o cute!!

 

This weekend was so busy for us. It began Thursday evening with date night (seeing "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Alhambra), a birthday party and a Christmas party Friday, two Christmas parties on Saturday, followed by church and a Christmas program on Sunday. A full weekend to say the least.

Date night picture:

Cinderella Shoot

Pappy and Nanny always get their grandchildren to have their pictures taken around the age of three or four—in full costume in whatever interest they may have. Well, Cherish lives in the world of the princesses—specifically Cinderella.

She had a hard time taking the pictures since the camera ladies wanted her to act like Cinderella (pretending to run, pretending to be shocked that she lost a shoe…), and Cherish really didn't want to pretend with people gawking at her and taking pictures. Thus, this was our second time to the photo studio, and this time went much better.

This time I put "jingle bells" in Cherish's hair--which made her laugh when she shook her head. So, we got some smiles: