The stockings were hung............

I love this picture of all the stockings hanging by the fireplace at my mom's house! This way she and my dad get to have all of their kids, kids-in-laws, and grandkids there with them on Christmas even the ones who are far away. The fun part is these are the stockings that we had growing up. When we left home my mom wouldn't let us take them with us - she just makes us new ones! And each new addition to the family gets one too! And I think there's one for the dog.....

Alexis and Her Groupies

A few weeks ago we went to the movies to see "A Christmas Carol". The movie was great but it was an even better treat when Alexis ran into some of her best pals!

Julee Gets the All Clear

Last week Julee had her final follow-up with the plastic surgeon for this go round. With the exception of gym, she has received the all clear from the doctor to resume her normal activities. Gym will have to wait until after the Christmas break. The last of her dissolvable stitches have disappeared and she even went back to the orthodontist yesterday. Poor girl! It will still be a few weeks before her upper loosens up completely and she will continue to do some massage therapy on her lip a few times a day. Other than that, she is good to go. We are grateful to a skilled surgeon who definitely had Julee's best interests at heart. Here is a little mini timeline of Julee's progress.

November 16th - the night before surgery

November 17th - Going home after surgery

Noveber 20th - 3 days after surgery - still lots of bandages

November 26th - Celebrating Thanksgiving without the bandages

December 5th - Just a few stitches left but you can hardly tell

We are amazed at how quickly she has healed;

and are thrilled by how beautiful she (still) is!

The Best Birthday -- EVER!

Alexis said today was the best birthday ever! Here are all the reasons why:

25 ice cream cone sugar cookies to take to friends at school!

A present before breakfast!

7 inches of snow which means NO SCHOOL!!

Mom allowing herelf to be pelted with snowballs (if you look

right in the center of the picture you can see the snowball flying through the air)

More presents!!

Opening presents BEFORE dinner!

Throwing snowballs at Daddy on our way to birthday dinner at Chili's!

The staff at Chili's singing their version of Happy Birthday!

Free ice cream sundae - mmm chocolate!

Enough time before bed to start building the Indiana Jones temple!

Not pictured: Several birthday phone calls and a 45 minute long distance

birthday chat with cousin Kylie!

Happy 9th Birthday Lekkis! We love you and are glad you had such an awesome birthday!

Resting up for the big day..........