weekend recap

Two days, a new hard drive and two hundred dollars later, my MacBook is back, and I am oh so glad! I didn't realize how much I depend on my computer. I will say it was nice to have a little extra time to spend with my family and not be distracted by a computer screen. My house appreciated the extra TLC it has received over the last few days as well. ;)

This weekend was a whirlwind and jam packed with activities to get us into the Christmas spirit. Friday night, we went downtown to Mobile's North Poll Stroll (NPS). There wasn't much for Ella Claire to do since she is still so young, but we met up with Steph, Christy, Brian, Jess, Kelly, Mason and Emma and that was lots of fun! There was a lot to do and see for the older kids, and I think Emma had a great time. When we left downtown, we were starving so we decided to eat at Butch Cassidy's. The food was yummy as always, but the service was a little slow and it was way past Ella Claire's bedtime. It probably wasn't the best idea to keep her out late when she was recovering from a cold and having her picture made the next morning.

A few pictures of Em and EC in front of the Christmas tree at the Exploreum, one of the first stops at the NPS.

EC and daddy at the North Pole Stroll

Saturday was another busy day that started with family pictures downtown with Keegan and Robby at Admoni Photography.  We had such a fun time and I'm hoping we gave them some pretty smiles for some pretty pictures. Since Ella Claire's delivery, the skin on my face has been doing some odd things; like staying red and splotchy. One of these days, I'm going to go let a dermatologist tell me what's going on, until then, I'm just dealing with it. However, I hope it didn't mess up our family picture. If it did, at least I can count on Jeremy and Ella Claire looking cute. They don't have to try very hard.  :)

After pictures, we made a bee line to the McLean's house for a party for a very special birthday girl! Melody turned 2 and was the cutest little thing in her birthday tutu!

After the birthday party, we met Kelly and Emma at the park to take a few pics of the girls in there matching Christmas outfits. The girls were little dolls, but it is almost impossible to get a picture of EC standing still. The girl is on the go. Emma was a big girl, and did just what we asked for every picture. :)

If Ella Claire did stand still, her pants leg was up, or her collar was flipped up, or she was throwing her bow on the ground. or there was a combination of them all. love her.

After pictures, we stopped by one of my favorite little gift shops and let EC take a picture with Santa. Yes, you read that right,  EC posed for 3 different photo shoots in one day.  :) The last was by far her least favorite! She cried of course and hated every second of sitting on his lap, but I think the picture will be adorable. The things we do to our children for a cute picture!

.....And then....we finally went and picked out the perfect Christmas tree.

Love that smell!

Such a fun filled family day! We were pooped when we got home and much too tired to decorate our lovely tree as we had planned. The tree has made it inside our living room though, and will hopefully be all decked out by the end of this week. And you know I'll be back with a picture just as soon as it's presentable.

Sunday was busy with two amazing church services and a fun lunch with family and friends. Now it's back to the grind again today with little Madelaine and Ella Claire; who happen to be turning 7 months and 14 months old today! hmmm...sounds like we need to celebrate!

Have a wonderful Monday and I'll see you again real soon!