Pridgeon Christmas 2014

Since we drove down to the farm on Christmas Eve, we were able to wake up there on Christmas morning.  Liv had been sick for about a week at that point, so we were thinking we'd be the first ones up, waiting for everyone else.  Instead, our girls gave us the best Christmas present ever - they slept in until 9:00! Seriously, 9:00.  Liv was up once in the night, but I think since they were up so late the night before, they actually slept in.  When Matt and I woke up and saw the time, we were sure that the clocks upstairs just hadn't been changed since the 'fall back', but no, we just totally slept in and everyone was waiting for us.  

Liv and Anna didn't care all that much about the gifts; the wrapping paper was much more exciting:) Kate wanted to open every single present.  We were so blessed and had so much fun.

such an adorable Christmas outfit

cousins! both sick, but still playing

We spent a few days at the farm before heading back home.  It's so good to be with family:) Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2014

Matt had the Christmas holiday off this year, so before spending the bulk of our day with the Kadzbans, our girls opened a few gifts from us at home.  Kate's favorite gift - by far - was an Elsa dress.  She wore it for two days straight and still asks to wear it every morning.  My favorite were the hats:)

"See, I'm Elsa!"

After lunch and naps at my parent's house, we went to the Christmas Eve service at church.  Kate has been going to the big kids class since she turned 3, and she's been talking about singing on the stage for weeks.  They did two songs: Go Tell it on the Mountain and Joy to the World.  It was just about the cutest thing I've ever seen.  Kate did a great job following directions and standing still, and she even sang.  I was one proud momma:)

Kate's first time on the big stage

We had a quick dinner with my family before heading down to the farm for the night.  I forgot to get a picture of all of us, but here are a few attempts to get a decent photo of the girls before we got on the road.

Ten Months

Liv is ten months.  Really?

She's starting to crawl with her belly off the floor a little bit more, but she's getting around like nobody's business.  She likes to look at books, and even turns the pages herself.  She loves cords and strings and anything she can pull on, and she follows her big sister wherever she goes.  It's nearly impossible to keep her still, especially for pictures! Oh, and she's feisty.  When she decides she's done eating a certain food, she starts throwing it off the tray.  If she's mad or frustrated while playing, she lays down on the floor and cries.  We're in for it with these two girls!

Remember when she didn't want anything to do with pureed foods? Well, we're back to them.  She loves puffs and yogurt bites, but is eating purees again, along with very small finger foods.

Liv had her first ear infection this month.  I actually didn't even suspect it; the doctor found it at her well child appointment.  I think she must have caught it early because Liv got quite cranky after the diagnosis:(

She's still a terrible sleeper.  Some days it drives me crazy, and some days it doesn't.

Liv is really full of joy, though, and she has a beautiful brightness to her.  When the light catches her eyes, they just light up and I want to stare at her forever.  She is beautiful and wonderful and difficult and precious.  We love her beyond words.

random December pictures

saying hi to daddy in California

temper tantrums already? yep

warm enough to swing in December? yes, please!

dot markers are the best!

pulling up to her knees

dimples!!!

Kate's candle creation

2014 Christmas Happenings

While Matt was in California, I took the girls to the Byron Center Christmas Parade.  It was a COLD, windy Saturday morning, so I was not at all sad that the parade lasted only 15 minutes.

I also took the girls to two live nativities this year.  The church right around the corner does one every year, so we went there on a Thursday night.  Kate sang along to some of the songs, and Liv was mesmerized by the whole thing (which means I enjoyed lots of snuggles:)).  Afterwards, all Kate wanted to do was ride on the animals - she's a nut!

The following day, we went out to the Critter Barn in Zeeland, where they do another one.  It was super fun to look around and see and pet the animals afterwards.  Thankfully, my parents came to both of the nativities with me; I'm not sure I could corral Kate and keep Liv happy on my own at this point!

I know the girls are young, and probably won't remember these things, but I just want to be teaching them and reminding them of the story of Jesus at Christmas time.  There's so much other stuff going on, and I think it's important for them to understand the reason for Christmas and the incredible gift we have in Christ.  Hopefully, as they get older, we'll get to talk more about it:)

christmas tree adventure

We went to Prince Christmas Tree Farm with my parents again to cut down our tree this year.  They only have Frasier Furs, so all of the trees are beautiful.  It was a bit strange to cut down a Christmas tree with no snow on the ground (and weather in the 50's), but we had fun anyway.  Kate wanted to wear her 'work pants' which are her overalls (since that's what Bri Guy wears at the farm).  They 

We had lunch afterwards at Embassy Bar and Grill, right around the corner from the tree farm.  I'm going to go ahead and say it wasn't worth stopping, but oh well.  Live and learn.

We decorated the tree after Livvy went to bed later that night.  Kate was such a cute helper this year.  All of her ornaments ended up in one spot on the tree, but it was very sweet.  Don't ask me why she doesn't have any pants on - I have no idea!