December Fun

We had so much fun decorating the tree this year.  The girls really got into it.  We got a fake tree right before we left Houston thinking we wouldn't be able to get real trees over here for a reasonable price.  I never thought I would get a fake tree and actually like it.  Instead, I love it!  No needles to clean up, not tree to water, no messing with lights--all of the things about Christmas I dread.  It was fabulous and it looked pretty good too!  We also got some "scentsicles" that made it smell like a real tree and they actually worked.

 Thankfully, she still loves a nice smocked dress!  At some point, I am going to have to give it up though.  She will be 7 this year!

 Playdate with Naia, Rainbow Looming!

 The Winter Concert at Olivia's school

 Olivia had quite the starring roles in two out of three songs at the Winter Concert.  First she was a snowflake....

 then she got to play one of the main instruments

 We found advent calendars here to carry out Ducky and Pong Pong's annual tradition for all of the grandkids

We went to yet another crazy birthday party.  This one was Harry Potter themed.  It was at the Hilton Hotel with a full buffet, two bounce houses, dj, photo booth, movie screen, table rounds with linens...just nuts!

 Miss trike rider!

 My cute girls!

 Eliza taking care of some serious business on her cell, in front of her laptop.  Her baby is with her, of course!

 We had such a great time decorating a gingerbread house at her sweet friend, Nina's birthday party

 All of her little buddies!

 The "Holiday Extravaganza" at ACS.

 It included a fun pancake breakfast made by the school staff.  That is Dr. Heslip, the superintendent, making pancakes just behind her.

 Santa!  Olivia was not too sure about the authenticity of this Santa.  She said she didn't think he was the real Santa because he didn't quite look like the real Santa.  We told her he was probably his helper and would tell him all that he saw and heard that day.  She was okay with that.

 My girls love a good face painting!

 Christmas crafts

 Naia and Olivia

 A painting craft that I elected Daddy to participate in

 Too funny!  My two friends, Nancy and Christa, showed up in the same cute outfit!

 They also organized a super fun White Elephant party with a bunch of ACS moms.  Love those girls!

Our party favor, a personalized champagne glass

 We went to see the Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker at the Emirates Palace Hotel

The most beautiful little jewel box theatre, with the most comfortable seats ever.  Olivia loved it; Eliza was frustrated there was no singing :-)

 Eliza on her "Winter Wonderland" day at preschool.  I love this sweet picture of my little love

 Olivia's teacher had the best idea for the last day of school before the winter break.  She didn't want a big sugar rush party.  She made it a pj day with crafts, hot chocolate, stories, and watching Charlotte's Web (they just finished reading the book in class).  She wanted a cozy, quality time day with her class.  Love Mrs. Bulluck!

 Cookie decorating.  I love being the homeroom mom so I get to participate in these kind of days.

 Eliza and I getting a mani/pedi

 One day we got out the tent and my sweet girls loved spending time in there reading stories to each other.

 Loving the beautiful weather in December.  It is also so nice that Olivia's school is open on the weekends and holidays, so we can go up and play on the playground.

 My little ladies, my world!