More Christmas Morning

Taking pictures with her new camera
Learning how to spell

One happy dog


Checking the time with her new watch & cool shades

Santa Came!

"Santa brought me a Princess castle!"
Love the bedhead
The "kids" opening their presents.

Loves her Little Mermaid dress

Cookies for Santa

We headed back from Moulton on Christmas eve in time to set out cookies and milk for Santa (and some treats for the reindeer). As sweet as it was watching her load up a plate of cookies for Santa, my favorite part of the evening happened just before. All through December, we had two elfs at our house: Buddy (The Elf on the Shelf) and Ellie (Elf Magic). Part of the deal with the elves are that they are there for December but on Christmas eve, they have to go back to their home at the North Pole with Santa. So, Buddy, the elf that we can't touch, was perched on the mantle ready for Santa's arrival so he could go back to the North Pole. However, Ellie, the elf that Kate could play with, has to be placed under the Christmas tree so Santa knows where to find her. I have been trying to prepare Kate for their departure on Christmas eve as she had gotten pretty attached to her elves this year. When I told her it was time to place Ellie under the tree, Kate put Ellie under the tree and said in the most sweet, sincere, and endearing voice, "Ellie, I love you and I sure am going to miss you." She sat there quietly for a moment then finished saying her sweet goodbyes to Ellie. Aaahh! Brought tears to my eyes. So sweet. I wish I could bottle her up and keep her at this age forever!

Cookies & milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

A New Christmas 'Do

Kate was long over do for a haircut, so Gran managed to fit one in while we were there for Christmas. Thanks Gran!

Christmas Eve in Moulton

We headed up to Moulton to spend the day before Christmas with Gran, Papa & the James'. It was so much fun as always and Kate got in lots of cousin time in with Daniel and Laura Ann. She absolutely loves every second of her time with them. We then headed up to Mawmaw & Pawpaw's for a yummy Christmas Eve dinner.

Having a slumber party

Princess Tiana and Fairy SilverMist

Gran, Papa & the Grandkids

All of the McWhorter Great Grands (including Jackson who kept trying to escape the picture!)

Oh What Fun It Is To....

...Have a fun filled day! While Sam was at work, Aunt Haley and I took Kate to see "Arthur Christmas" at the movies. We followed it up with making & decorating Christmas cookies and more presents!

Such a tough decision!

The finished product

More presents!

Silly Aunt Haley

Party Time

Kate's class had their Christmas Party this afternoon complete with Pajama Day & watching The Polar Express this morning. Lots of fun!

Let the Festivities Begin!

Grandpa and Linda flew into town this past weekend to kick off the Christmas festivities. We had lots of fun with just a quiet, low key weekend. Kate loved her Christmas presents, especially the "Cars" racetrack!

Loves her Bunny blanket from Aunt Haley!

Princess Jasmine

Compton Christmas Luncheon

The Compton women get together each year for a Christmas Luncheon and I have never been able to make it until this year. Kate was super excited to see her cousins again this weekend and spend some more time with Abigail & Caroline. Haley hosted a great lunch and four of the little Compton great grand daughters thoroughly enjoyed playing dress-up and putting on shows.

Abigail, Caroline, Kate & Laura Ann

Love "Fancy Nancy" Caroline's pose!

There's A New Elf In Town

Our elf, Buddy, sent Kate a letter telling her that Ellie the Elf hitched a ride with him from the North Pole last night back to our house. So this morning, we searched the house to find Ellie helping herself to CheezIts in the kitchen. Kate LOVES Ellie. Unlike Buddy, who you can't touch because he looses his magic if you do so, Ellie is very mischievous and can be played with, slept with, etc. She has not parted with Ellie all day! Hopefully, Ellie doesn't cause too much havoc in our house during her stay. Oh, these crazy elves and the things we do for our kids!

Our silly little elf, Ellie.

Showing Buddy our new friend, Ellie, and thanking him for bringing her to our house.

Christmas Program

Kate's class had their Christmas Program this afternoon and it was so funny to see all of the kids reactions to being in the spotlight. Kate told me last night how excited she was for it today. They sang lots of Christmas carols and showed us their Christmas crafts. (The first few pics are a little fuzzy - forgot I had it on "night" setting until halfway through the program.)

Kate & Reese's expressions are so funny!

This cracks me up! Wyatt sang the entire time with his eyes closed!