Aunt Erin's Cookie Party

We had so much fun today at Aunt Erin's Second Annual Christmas Cookie Decorating Party!!  Last year was really fun and Mackenzie got a pretty cute apron, but this year was even better because Mackenzie was old enough to decorate some cookies herself!

We had an absolute BLAST Aunt Erin!  Thank you so much for all that you do!

So fun!!

Some of the cute tables she had set up...

The awesome aprons that Erin made for all of the kids!

Mackenzie wasn't sure about so many people at her Aunt E's house.

My new favorite pic of Nan & Mackenzie

Very excited about the sprinkles

Shake 'em!!

Getting ready to decorate!

Loving it.

Sweet Anna Beth!

Mackenzie & Karoline

Isn't she precious?!

This is what caused most of the sugar rush...eating

the icing straight out of the bowl!

Showing me her messy hands.

She thinks they're cute!

And REALLY funny!

Mackenzie with Aunt E & Sydney

We <3 Leg Warmers

"No no!" - Mackenzie's favorite word these days  :)

My precious girl - you make my heart smile!

I love you so much!

First Haircut

Other than one tiny trim around this time last year, Mackenzie has not had a haircut.  And I put it off as long as I could telling myself that she couldn't possibly be old enough to really need a haircut.  But alas - the "mullet" (as Matt refers to it) had to go.  Aunt JJ was so sweet to come by the house and take on the task of cutting Mackenzie's hair.  It went much better than I expected and was over within 15 minutes.

I had Mackenzie in her high-chair eating apples (a new favorite thanks to Nan!) and Jami was able to start the process there.  Once Mackenzie was not as focused on her apples, I moved her highchair into the living room so that we could watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (the cartoon version for those who care).  This worked like a charm and Jami was done in no time!

We were about halfway through when I realized I hadn't taken any pictures!!  But here is what I did get:

Ooops...forgot about this part. 

She threw one tiny fit, but it didn't last long!

Still pretty - even when she's crying!

"You're a mean one...Mr. Grinch"

Really into the movie

Thanks Aunt JJ!  It's perfect!!!!!!!!

BEFORE

AFTER - the mullet is no more!

Breakfast with Santa

We went to the Breakfast with Santa at Arkansas Children's Hospital again this year and had a blast.  Aunt Erin helped to organize the event and Nan & Pops also came which made it even more special. 

Last year was fun and I was really excited about Mackenzie being able to participate this year, but I was also anxious to see how Mackenzie would do with Santa.  We have been reading a lot about Christmas and practicing saying "Santa Claus", so I was hoping that she would feel familiar enough to be comfortable sitting in his lap.  When we got there, I even took her up to where she could get a good look at him and say hello, which she did!  Seeing her wave and say "Hi Santa!!!" made me think that she would be just fine.

After our yummy breakfast (pancakes, eggs & sausage made by the wonderful firefighters!), we all got in line with Mackenzie to see Santa.  She showed no fear as we got closer and pretty soon we were next in line.  Pops was armed with the camera and Daddy was ready with the video camera when we finally reached the stage.

As I got closer to Santa's chair, I felt Mackenzie clinging to me and knew it probably wasn't going to go as well as I had hoped!  I tried to sit her down on his lap, but she was not having it.  I even tried to just sit her on the arm of the chair, but she wasn't having that either!  So, we ended up on the side of Santa's chair with him leaning in towards her and her leaning as far away from him as she could.  I think she even tried to push his face away, but thankfully they did not capture that part on camera!

When we stepped off the stage, I told Mackenzie, "say bye-bye to Santa" and she gladly yelled "BYE!!!" and waved frantically at him as if to make sure I knew she was okay with that.  :) 

The picture that Children's gave us actually turned out cute with Mackenzie and Santa leaning in towards each other.  You can't even tell that Mackenzie is crying!  I'm really hoping that she isn't scarred for life, but when we asked her if she wanted to go sit in Santa's lap again, she quickly said "No!".

Aunt Erin - thank you so much for inviting us again.  We had a wonderful time and are hoping to make it a yearly tradition (minus the not liking Santa part).  Nan & Pops - thank you for the BWS tickets and for coming out with us - it was so fun to have you both there!

Riding in Santa's sleigh

Loving on my Aunt E

Showing Pops my reindeer food

Dancing in the food line.  I'm really trying to get those dance classes!!!

Eating yummy pancakes & eggs

Getting in line to see Santa

Checking him out...

Enjoying the independence that comes with walking

After meeting Scout the dog!

"There's no way I'm sitting with him - I don't

care how loud he rings those bells!"

"What are you looking at?"

Dear Santa,

Since I didn't get a chance to tell you what I would like for Christmas this year, Mommy thought I should write you a letter.

I would like a baby doll, dance classes, books to read, a chair that's my size to read in, and Disney movies. Also - Mommy & Daddy say I can't have one until I'm potty-trained, but I'd really like a puppy if you can work that out!

Thanks,
Mackenzie

P.S. Sorry I screamed in your face and tried to push you away. See ya next year!