pajama day!

I could cry looking at this picture! Doesn't she look like a big girl? My goodness...it's flying by so quickly. Some mornings while Kate and I cuddle on the couch, I'll beg her, "don't grow up today...let's grow up another day." Silly mommy, I know.

Merry Christmas!

Let me start by saying that I realize I'm crazy late on this post. I'm sorry. I'm not all that sure what happened. January has come and nearly gone, and I'm titling my post "Merry Christmas." It's a little sad. But, as they say, it's better later than never, and my kiddos won't know the difference when they're sixteen and I'm forcing their dates to scroll through the ol' blog. And that, my friends, is what counts.

Kate in full princess garb playing with her cousins Spencer, Lincoln, and Fletcher. These boys didn't know what to do with such a girly-girl.

My boy is such a ham. He's loving his new car seat. Thanks Nana and Pops!

Have I told you about Sam's obsession with Elmo? It's nuts. "Elmo" was his first word.

Spoiled rotten. Need I say more? I think there is more Disney paraphernalia in my house than in an entire Disney store. Kate was overwhelmed and overjoyed by the sight. It was so funny to watch her walk in and try to decide where to go first. Her new Cinderella dress beat out the others, and she's been wearing that dress ever since.

christmas eve 2008

Kate and I love baking together. She'll tell you that she's a "good stirrer." That she is. Of course, this recipe didn't require much.

Kate was determined to include Rudolph in the midnight snack for Santa.

We Russells have a long-standing tradition of opening the NBC gift on Christmas Eve. This was Sam's first real go at it. His gift? This is a shocker...a cute pair of Christmas PJs.

thank you uncle richard!

Uncle Richard's Christmas gift, while a bit unconventional, was a big hit. Sam totally pulls it off. I mean, literally--he pulls it off.

Kate's Christmas Party

I couldn't be happier with Kate's school. She has learned so much, and she talks about her friends all the time. Her teacher, Miss Donna, is such a gem. We are so thankful for her and her love and passion for these kids. I was a little hesitant to put Kate in preschool this year; I felt like she was still so young. But...one semester later, I'm a believer. She loves it!
Here, Kate is munching on her 3rd or 4th cookie at her class's Christmas party (this was just after her performance--see post below).