New Pierced Ears

Ever since Erika turned 7 and got her ears pierced, Laurel has been anxiously waiting her turn to be 7 and get her ears pierced!  We went a week early so that Grandma could go with her before she headed to California to spend a late Christmas with Jacob and his family.  She was beyond excited!

 

 

She chose a small, pretty pair of red earrings as her first earrings.

 

Then, asked Erika to hold her hand while the ladies pierced her ears at the same time.  It was super fast and a great idea to do them together!

 

She was surprised that it hurt more than she had anticipated, but she did awesome!

 

And, after a celebratory piece of chocolate and an Orange Julius, her ears magically didn't hurt anymore!

 

Christmas Day

This is the first year our kids didn't ask Santa for anything....they kind of figured out it was just a magical story and fun to pretend, but they didn't feel like the needed to involve him in their gift choices.  But they still got some unwrapped, surprise presents under the tree on Christmas morning.  The girls got items for their American Girl dolls (a salon set for Erika and a camping set for Laurel) and Levi got a remote control helicopter.

 

 

Magazines, candy, toothbrushes, gum and a small toy turned up in their stockings.

 

A break with traditional cinnamon rolls.

 

Unfortunately, some of us were feeling pretty crummy with a cold.  Laurel didn't feel great, but powered through and enjoyed her Christmas day!

 

The kids opened the few presents from Matt and I and then we awaited the arrival of the "good presents" from Grandma and Aunt Sarah.

 

And it looked like a gift explosion once they arrived bearing gifts!

 

It was a great Christmas!!  Lots of outfits for the girls' new dolls, Legos, Mi World doll sets, remote control car, stomp rocket, Star Wars books, and lots of games.  We spent the rest of the day playing games and having a great time with the new toys!