Holiday Photo

We attempted a professional family photo in late December with the intention of making Christmas/New Years cards.  After an instant meltdown at the studio, we threw in the towel and gave it a try at home the next day.  Still not much luck.  Scott even bought me a very nice Canon camera since my other was not functioning well.  (Hence, there are no posted pics of Christmas.)  I loved the dresses!

ISU Christmas Cheer

Yes, another post without pictures of Lauren.  She was home with a fever and had to miss the annual ISU faculty and staff children's holiday party.  Since Papa Mike is an employee, he takes all of us . . . those who are healthy, that is.  Emma did lots of crafts, watched the Gamma Phi Circus performance, jumped in the bouncy house, chatted with Santa and Mrs. Claus,  and took a picture with Reggie Redbird.  We waited too long to enjoy a cookie . . . all of the iced sugar cookies were gone by the time we were ready for a break.  Next year we'll plan for an earlier snack time . . . and we can ALL enjoy the festivities!

Toy and Food Donations

It is a tradition for the Foley girls to give to the less fortunate as Christmas approaches.  This year Emma's school was collecting food in November and and toys in December.  Emma chose one of her favorite art activities, spin art, when we were at the store.  She was very happy that a boy or girl would be getting this fun set for Christmas.

Donation Tradition

The Christmas tradition continues with "Coats for Kids" this year.  Emma chose the coat and accessories and delivered them to one of the drop sites.  She's so happy to help kids in need.  (There was an empty coffee cup in the donation container when we opened it up.  Emma was so disturbed that someone would put garbage in the donation bin.  We guessed that someone mistook it for a trash can even though there was a huge sign on the front.  Emma made sure to put the trash in the real disposal bin next to the donation collection container.)

Christmas Morning Joy

Emma's favorite gift: Doc McStuffins Doll

Lauren's favorit gift: Gerber Peach Puffs

Preparing Cookies and Carrots

We hope Rudolph and the other reindeer enjoy the carrots and lettuce as much as Santa Claus likes his cookies and milk!

Merry Cookies

Just as we did for Thanksgiving, Emma and Lauren brought two dozen decorated sugar cookies to Little Jewels for their teachers!  Denny's Doughnuts and Bakery does a great job!

Letters from Santa

 

One evening after arriving home from school, we discovered two unique pieces of mail in our mailbox--from the North Pole!  What a surprise!  Santa sent Emma and Lauren letters this year.  (He must know that Emma is getting old enough to start reading.)  In the letter to Emma he said she had been a good girl, even though it wasn't always easy.  In the letter to Lauren Santa said he and his elves knew she was now crawling and wanted Little People princesses.  He and his reindeer are gearing up for the big night and his trip to Normal.  Such a special note from a special guy!

Ho, Ho, Holiday Fun!

Little Jewels Learning Center held an evening Christmas concert for family members.  Each age group sang two songs with instruments and/or motions.  Lauren's crew sang "Santa Baby" and "Jingle Bells."  Emma's class sang "Holly, Jolly Christmas" and "Jingle Bell Rock."  Santa also made an appearance for photos!

An Early Christmas

 

Oh what fun it is to . . . open presents!!!  We always celebrate Christmas at Thanksgiving with Scott's parents, grandma, aunts, uncles, brother, sister-in-law, and niece.  Emma's been on a Cars and Jake and the Neverland Pirates kick for awhile now.  She was a lucky girl!  We really appreciate the outpouring of love.  It was great to visit with everyone and see the girls play with their older cousin, Sydney.

Festival of Trees

Emma's preschool class performed at the Festival of Trees this November.  They sang 5 Christmas song.  Some included motions or instruments.  It was her first time on a stage giving a performance.  She loved it!  Can you find her in the front row?

Surprises Under the Tree

Emma had a lot of fun discovering the presents left under the tree. She rode her new big girl bike around the house many times on Christmas Day. And while the 3 in 1 soccer goal, hockey goal, baseball pitch-back is also an outdoor toy, it's getting a lot of use inside already. In the days before Christmas, Emma said she only wanted two things from Santa: a drum set and a construction set. Well, Santa brought her a little set of construction vehicles. The drum set was from Grandma Jill and Grandpa Mike, but Emma opened in on Christmas morning. She's rocking and rolling!

Christmas Eve Treats

This year Emma left 3 cookies and hot chocolate with marshmallows for Santa. (Did you see her sneak a few marshmallows for herself?) The reindeer got their traditional carrots on the front porch. Everyone seemed to enjoy their Christmas Eve treats!