Merry, merry!

I love this picture of Lola and her cousin, Madison. Lola's expression here pretty much sums up how she felt/feels about Christmas. It was fun while it lasted! More pics to come, I promise.

Simply magical

For parents with small children, time either drags on (like when you're battling through a horrible sleep phase with your 3-year-old) or it goes by way too fast (like when you're immensely enjoying the holiday season, really seeing it for the first time through your childrens' eyes!)

^^That's us, by the way.

Will someone please tell me how it's already December 19? Two months ago, I thought, "Wow, we have so much time to enjoy the holidays and Christmas..." But, those days and weeks flew by, and now Christmas day is rapidly approaching, and I really just don't want it all to end.

This has been the most fun Christmas season with our kiddos. Last year, Lola really enjoyed Christmas, but she was still a bit young. And Finn, of course, was only about six weeks old. We were still in the sleep-deprived-sometimes-zombie-like phase that goes along with having a newborn.

But, this year. Well, this year has really been magical.

I'm behind on my blogging (big time), and hopefully I can get caught up over the next couple of weeks. But, for now, here are a few photos from our trip to Silver Dollar City last weekend. (Note: I hadn't been to SDC in at least 15 years. Probably 16 or 17, actually??) This was Lola's first time at SDC. Her first time at any kind of amusement park, actually. AND... her first time on a roller coaster! It was so much fun. I actually laughed out loud and squealed along with her on the spinning tea cup ride! Matt almost lost his cookies on the swings. We were all kids that day. It was emotional for this mama, too. I actually had to choke back tears when Santa showed up at our lunch (the look of wonder on her face was priceless.) I was also very touched on the train ride by "grandpa's" telling of the Christmas story. And the lights. Oh, the lights! We almost left early - it was cold, and we knew we had a long, crooked drive ahead of us (did I mention Lola threw up twice on the ride over?) But I'm so glad we stayed. (And she slept all the way home!)

 The kid was speechless (this never happens). And refused to smile.

She said this was "kind of scary," and she was afraid it was going to fly off the tracks.

(She's definitely her mother's daughter.)

The Frosty play was so cute and funny!

Regan and Lola are on stage in this picture. And Jessica, too. :)

These faces sum it all up!

The parade: a perfect, magical way to end the evening.

Finn gets to go next year!