Preschool Christmas Celebrations

All the kids eating snacks and waiting for cupcakes.

Bella was the first to ask for seconds.

All the kids were suppose to wear their handmade shirts. They were really sweet with their hand prints and baby Jesus in the manger.

After two cupcakes, guess you might as well bring on decorating cookies.

A book exchange. Bella got a fun Toy Story book.

Getting all ready for her prechool Christmas program.

On stage and a little unsure about it.

On the big screen. This was huge entertainment for the kids once they found themselves and a bit of distraction from focusing on singing. It was cute to watch though.

Bella D next to her good friend Bella S.

It was such a nice time watching all the kids from age 2 to Kindergarden sing. A great way to continue celebrating the reason for the holiday season.

Gingerbread Creation 2010

This was a first for our family and with all the fun we had it will become a yearly tradition.

The final De Long Gingerbread House creation.

Polar Express

November 27, 2010: To kick off the Christmas festivities we headed to Bryson City, NC to ride the Polar Express.

Here we are just after arriving and getting out of the car. It was very cold!

Taking pictures in the city while waiting to meet up with Mee Maw, Papa Joe, Uncle Scott, and Jackson

Of course, a store with trains!

Outside the train museum.

Awesome, huge train models

More walking through the town.

All Aboard!

Big Thanks to Papa Joe and Mee Maw for planning the trip.

Love this picture. Bella was in awe and so excited.


Hot! Hot! Ooh, we got it! They served hot chocolate just like the movie. Well, not quite as extravagant with the music and dancing, but it was very tasty.

Bella looks like she was enjoying it but she refused to taste it.
Anna also looks like she was enjoying it. She would have had no problems indulging in it if she was not allergic to milk. Poor thing. No worries though, she knew no difference since we poured her soy milk in the fancy cup.

At last, we arrived at the North Pole and Santa came on the train giving everyone a bell. Bella had no hesitation the second time around seeing Santa(we had already made a trip to Bass Pro). She made sure to tell him she wanted a Dora doll house even if he didn't ask. She was very proud of herself and had no doubts. All was fine this time because she had told Santa and he knew. It would be just a matter of time till Christmas day when that Dora doll house would arrive.

A very fun trip and a wonderful festive start to a great Christmas season.

She's walking

November 22, 2010: What an exciting evening! Anna learned to walk. At 17 1/2 months this was a big accomplishment. How exciting it is to see any baby walk for the first time. It is definitely a milestone. We have gained a sense to forever cherish this milestone. I know now, as I write this post over 3 months later I still get excited watching her walk. During the moment we just took video, but have a few pictures as she was perfecting her walking ability.

Anna walking around the tree.

Ring around the Rosie helps get her moving

Gotta stop and be silly every now and then.

A good graham cracker gives you all the energy you need.

A special thanks to her wonderful physical therapists. Kate with Sportscare Physical Therapy and Michelle with Tender Ones Therapy. Highly recommended!!

Way to go Anna!! So proud of you and so very happy to watch you "walk, walk"!