Merry & Bright

It is Christmas Eve and there have already been hundreds of pictures documenting this year's holiday season so I'm doing my best to break them up!  We are halfway through gift exchanges and travel and for the most part, the girls have remained pretty merry & bright through it all.

Going backwards, the pictures start back in November with the first appearance of the Christmas decor!

Why are big bows so adorable on little faces???

Santa with a little reindeer

Ready to decorate the tree!

Not too thrilled with the Santa/Reindeer role reversal!

My attempt at a Christmas Dress Photo Shoot...

 one of the only ones that actually turned out but is now a favorite!

Not really a Christmas pic but funny capture of this little lady playfully throwing her food...

And it begins!

We had an eventful weekend in the middle of December with a quick DC visit Saturday morning to see the National Christmas Tree and enjoy brunch at Old Ebbitt's Grill, before catching a train up to NYC for a short but sweet getaway while the girls had a sweet stay at Nana & Pop-Pop's.  

So fun to get back to this tradition of dining at Old Ebbitt's and Lilee loved taking part!

Loved being able to celebrate my amazing husband for his birthday at a trendy little French restaurant in NYC's Nolita.  

Our visit was jam packed with seeing good friends and very bitter sweet but also a good reminder that life goes on and seasons change!

Grocery shopping with Nana & Pop-Pop is always more fun!

Should've known with this little one...

One morning I left the cereal bowl within her reach while helping Maelee and this is what I came back to- she had grabbed it and started helping herself!  

On Maelee's last week of school, the students put on an adorable Christmas program with the Pre-K class opening up the performance.  Maelee was the cutest angel I've seen and Lilee loved seeing her sister on stage!

We had an especially merry time last Friday for a delicious and super sweet Christmas lunch out on the beautiful Gwynn's Island on the Chesapeake Bay a few hrs south at Mava's father's house.  It was such a special afternoon with the whole Miles family, my precious Aunt Mae, Randy, my folks, Too-daddy & Mary Catherine, and Tom & Viv.  We loved every minute of our time there and hope to be able to visit again now that we're closer!

Lilee loved seeing "Auntie Mava" again!

And Maelee was truly over the moon to see "BFF," Madie again.  She must've hugged her for a full minute.  And was practically in tears when we left! Madie was so sweet with her!

Three special faces

Happy girl tritty-trottin' with her Too-daddy!!

Water on both sides of the house- so beautiful!

And tritty-trot fun with Aunt Viv!

Aunt Mae was so touched by Maelee's little hug!

The Miles were so sweet to have gifts for our girls and Maelee was thrilled with her "Frozen" microphone.  She was a riot performing for us!!!

We were all smiles watching this little "star." :)

Group shot!

Family photo!

Slideshow of our visit to Gwynn's Island:

It has been a busy month, with many moments not so merry while Steve worked like crazy and I felt like I was going crazy!  :)  But, we are grateful for a season that reflects on the bright light that Christ brings and have enjoyed celebrating it with those we love.  And the celebrations continue!  We leave for NC tomorrow to see Steve's family and look forward to having a very Merry Christmas, especially with a second little lady this year!

Slideshow of more from December: