there were never such devoted sisters...

In May, I had the privilege of flying to San Francisco to be a part of my little sister's wedding.  My older sister and I were able to fly out together and our parents and aunt met up with the 3 of us the next day. 

{ A big thank you to my wonderful in-laws for coming down to help Woody with the girls while I was away.  This was the longest I'd ever been away from any of the girls!}

Our first morning in the city, Christi took Jenni and I on a morning walk/hike along the Pacific and then we met up with the rest of the family for a delicious lunch at Rose's.  From there, my duties as matron of honor went into full swing and I became Christi's "personal assistant" for the remainder of the time!  As much as I hated that Woody and the girls couldn't join me, I really loved having the time to spend with Christi and focus on the task at hand... getting her married!  Since we're on opposite sides of the country, we obviously don't get to spend as much time together and so this was really special to get so much time together, especially with it leading up to her wedding day!  The whole weekend was truly a blessing and privilege to be a part of, to see Christi and Shawn's family and friends from across the country, and especially meet those they are in community with in the city was, I believe, such an encouragement to everyone involved!

And I know I'm biased, but this was perhaps the most beautiful wedding ever... gorgeous bride, groom, people, weather, surroundings, colors, food, music... it was the perfect day!  To see a glimpse of the wedding from the photographer's lens, visit here!

And now fast forward a few months to July and the new bride and groom flew to this side of the country. We got to have them all to ourselves for a few days and then we all headed up to GA to be one big happy family and attend a reception to celebrate the marriage of Christi and Shawn.  Our girls love Christi of course, but Shawn has captured their hearts as well and we all had a fun visit!  We love you, Christi and Shawn!

the royal wedding

I did not follow all the hype leading up to the royal wedding in April... until the week of the wedding that is!  And yes, I will admit waking up at 6 am to watch the ceremony in its entirety and being captivated by it all.  I remember watching Charles and Diana's wedding as  a little girl and there's just something majestic about the whole thing.  And since it's not every day you get to watch a real royal wedding, I got all into it!  Arden was the first to wake up at 6:45 and she watched along with me.  When the newly married couple got into the carriage, I decided it was time to wake up Esther.  Of the three, she is the most into princesses right now and she loves Cinderella's carriage and so I did not want her to miss out!  I think the look on her face sums up how she felt about the wedding-sheer bliss!

I just so happened to click the camera as they kissed the first time... I was watching Esther and so I actually missed it-ha!

Needless to say, I couldn't get enough.  I think Esther felt the same way.  Toward the end, Arden just kept asking if she could go to school!

In the days that followed, the girls dressed up and took turns being "Princess Kate" and having a wedding.  And a few weeks after everything, we were in the check out line at Publix when Esther yelled, "Look, Mama!  It's Prince William!"  This completely caught me off guard because our girls have never mentioned anything or anyone (especially by name) on a magazine.  What have I done! ;)

DECEMBER

Okay, here you go.  An overwhelmingly long post that bundles all of December into one!  

The month started out with a trip to Nashville by way of Birmingham.  We spent an early Christmas with Woody's family and enjoyed a couple of days of play...

Chloe seems to be taking after her big sis, Esther, with looks to kill!

fun at the park

sitting 'round the Christmas tree enjoying the train with Dagan

opening stockings...

After celebrating Christmas, Woody and I were able to leave all 3 girls (for the first time!) and head up to Nashville for a little anniversary celebration and to attend a dear friend's wedding.  Woody and I were able to spend some time in downtown Franklin...love this place!

The bride and groom... a beautiful couple and a beautiful venue...

Woody and Michael helping take chairs to the pavilion while Katheryn and I were bundled under a blanket with our hand warmers!  Katheryn, it was so great seeing ya'll and I'm glad we got to keep each other warm or at least try! :)

I still think it's so neat that Woody and I both know Amy, but from before we knew each other.  Woody and Amy were in youth group together and remained friends over the years, and Amy and I were partner teachers in China...wo ai ni miss amy!

Back at home, we really enjoyed going through an advent devotional book with the girls each night before bed.  They also really got into singing Christmas carols this year, as well as role playing the Christmas story!

For those who may have seen a post on facebook of Arden and Esther playing Mary and baby Jesus, here are the pictures...

Arden said to Esther, "When you grow up, you're going to die on the cross, ok?"  Esther replied, "I don't wanna grow up."

playing shepherds in the yard

One Friday evening, we went to the church where Arden goes to school for a fun night of lights and activities...

At this display of the "Charlie Brown" nativity, they had a recording of Lionus (I think!?) reciting Luke 2:8-14.  Arden also learned these verses this year and thought it was so cool that he knew her Bible verse too!

the annual Holly Jolly Trolley with our church...Esther isn't pictured b/c she was in the arms of one of her favorite people, Danielle, the whole evening!

we got together with some friends from church to make "gingerbread" houses...

Chloe sneaking some graham cracker goodness. 

Esther's final masterpiece.

At home, making Christmas cookies...

This was our first Christmas to be home for Christmas Eve and Christmas day with the girls. Christmas Eve our church had "Carols by candlelight" where we sang and Scripture was read from the downtown gazebo.

Christmas morning, we had our neighbors over for brunch and enjoyed the day relaxing.  Woody took the girls to the park in the afternoon while I packed and got us ready to go visit G.G. and Papa for a few days.  Here are a couple of shots from Christmas day...I really didn't take many, believe it or not!

We also sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and had a cake (not my finest creation by any means!!), but the girls LOVED this and it brought up a lot of great questions and conversation with them.

This was my gift to Woody.  For more of an explanation, see the previous post!

And moving on to our final happenings in December...visiting my family in GA.

Before the madness of opening presents with everyone!

our first afternoon it snowed!!  okay, so it didn't really stick.  at all.  but for this FL family, it was quite the treat!

Arden maybe lasted 5 minutes outside, but this little girl could have stayed out all afternoon if we had let her!

Jenni braving the cold to be out with us...

Curt and Chloe, eyeing the goodies he was feeding her!

And viola, there you go...our December happenings!  We really had a fun filled time with family and friends celebrating the birth of our Savior throughout the month!