Tent Dwellers

Lyla got a tree house tent for Christmas. I am not sure who has enjoyed it more, Lyla or us. She loves to drag all her baby dolls and books into her tent and have us join her. It has kept her entertained for a long time!

A Very Good Girl

Lyla was a very good girl this year! Santa brought her a baby doll, doll accessories, lots of books and Elmo! She was not sure what to think when she woke up Christmas morning to see all her goodies. Nana and Poppa were also Santa's elves, bring Lyla her own chair and her first tricycle. She had a great Christmas!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

The holidays always bring about such a since of tradition in me. This intensified after Lyla's arrival. I want to share special things with her that meant a lot to me growing up and hopefully create some family traditions of our own. My mom always bought us Christmas pajamas and my dad always read "Twas the Night Before Christmas Eve" to my sister and me on Christmas Eve. We did the same for Lyla this year. She loves being read to! I hope these special moments mean as much to her in the future!

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Christmas Cookies

Even though we are all legally adults, we still decorate cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve with our family. TJ and Lyla took part in the tradition this year. Teej was pretty good! Lyla's Nana got her a cute apron for the event. She didn't really enjoy the decorating as much as the eating. Our girl has a sweet tooth!

Presents!

Lyla somewhat got the hang of opening presents on her birthday but by Christmas she was an expert. We had a hard time keeping her from unwrapping everything under the tree. We finally gave in on Christmas Eve morning and let her open her first gift of the season. She loved the Cabbage Patch for a few minutes and was ready for the next one.

Tree & Tanta

Last Christmas Lyla was entranced with Christmas trees and this year was no different, with the exception of L being more hands-on. We were lucky, she only pulled it over on top of herself once! I was afraid she would think it was called a "no no" and not a tree. But she got the hang of looking and not touching. She would just sit or lay under the tree "ooohhh" ing.

We had to go with a smaller tree and limited decor this year since everything is in Chattanooga storage. It turned out pretty cute and I figure I can use it in Lyla's playroom with her handmade decorations in the future.

We also made the mandatory mall trip to see Santa Claus. Lyla loves "Tanta", from a distance, we learned. We waited in a very long line and she talked about him the whole time and how he says "ho ho" but when it was show time she froze. I ended up having to sit with Santa and Lyla to get a shot. Then, of course, their camera was messed up so we had to go again. Not her best picture but I know it is one we will laugh at later.

Starlet in the making

Lyla loves to wear mommy's "gasses". She won't keep her own on for too long, but she will parade around the house in mine. I love how she brings them down on her nose to peek over the tops. Such a diva!

Geaux Saints

So it would be an easy year to be a Saints fan, but we liked them when they weren't so good! I have always had a soft spot for Texas qbs, Drew Brees included. And they were the first NFL team for us to see in person! We got Nana and Poppa to watch Lyla and headed out to Wildcatters to watch them beat the Cowboys! Not exactly how it went down, but it was a fun night out and a bad night of football is still a good night. I am always so sad when football season is over. TJ and I watch it at least 3 nights a week, usually 4. When L was baby she would stare at the screen, like she didn't want to miss a play. (probably just liked the bright colors but that would break her daddy heart!)

Like the paneling and gold curtains! The whole house has it and sweet shag carpets to match, even some pumpkin orange. Time warp rent house!

Here is proof that we were fans before they were "destined" for greatness!

Candy Girl

Lyla decided to help herself to some of the gift accessories. I like to put candycanes on the presents for all the little ones in our family. Well Lyla decided they would be better off in her belly. I managed to get a bib on her before it was completely everywhere. I let her enjoy her spoils of the holiday, but took the rest of the candycanes off until Christmas. I keep forgetting that everything must be adapted for toddlerhood!

Christmas Pictures

Lyla was such a good girl for Christmas pictures this year. She loves posing for the camera. They were a little more difficult since she kept running off to see what the other "babies" were doing. She even tried to get in a few other families pictures!