Christmas & New Years Big Bear

I feel like every year Christmas gets even more magical. We had so many amazing adventures together. Visiting Santa Claus was definitely one of the highlights even though Elise was not a fan. It sure made for priceless photo opportunities though :) Levi was indifferent but looked so adorable sitting on Santa's lap. Ella, you surprised us by asking him for a hatchimal last minute which was the hottest toy this year and very difficult for Santa to get. Elise, you asked for the cutest little barking dog that you saw in the toy section of the pumpkin patch and you haven't put it down since Christmas morning. You actually shrieked with excitement when you opened it which made all of us laugh out loud! We had Christmas Eve at Aunt Cindy's with all of our cousins and then Christmas day we made stops at Noah & Nikki's house and then went on to have dinner at Katie's. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing family. We had some great weather during our two weeks off and were even able to have a few beach days before school started.

Elise, you started to string words into complete sentences. It literally happened over night, the first night of winter break to be exact. We were in the car as a family and Ella was talking about toys and you randomly said, "That's my favorite!" and you haven't stopped talking since. Everyone keeps commenting on how well you've been speaking! You're very shy in public and love to cling and hide behind my leg but, at home, you rule the roost. You love to boss your sister around and it's pretty hysterical to watch since you're half her size. You also just made the transition from your crib to your toddler bed. It happened seamlessly after we went to Big Bear since you had to share a bed with Ella while we were there. We are also going to start potty training too. Lots of changes at two and a half Leesy, but you're handling them all like a champ and we are so proud of you. One funny story that you'll enjoy when your older is that Daddy was desperate for you to go to bed one night in Big Bear and allowed you to take your ipad to bed with you. Ella fell asleep in ten minutes and when Daddy peeked in on you at 1am you were still up watching You Tube videos, little stinker! You rock our world Leesy and we love you to pieces.

Ella, you've become quite the little girl. We have bonded so much in Kindergarten since you're right next door. I love that I can peek in on you all day and smother you with hugs and kisses. You are great at practicing your sight words and are starting to write phonetically which is my absolute favorite. You love being a big sister and are my little helper around the house. I can always count on you to help me pick up the playroom and to assist me with baby Levi. You don't like to try new things but respond well to positive reinforcement. Cooking with Daddy and organizing your doll clothes/diaper bag/belongings is your absolute favorite.

Little Levi Stone, you started sitting up right at 6 months just like your sisters. You are an absolute joy and the easiest baby ever. You go with the flow and are truly the sweetest little guy we could have ever asked for. Just recently, you started to babble and attempt to grab toys that are out of your reach. No sign of teeth yet but your gummy smiles are absolutely priceless. You are going to bed around 7pm and wake up at least once during night still. As tired as I am, I love that fact that we get to cuddle in peace and snuggle while everyone else is sleeping. It's our special quiet time. I truly don't know how we ever lived without you :) Here are your 6 month check-up stats: Height 28.0" (89%), Weight 17 pounds 10 ounces (45%), Head Circumference 44 cm (61%).