Christmas

Merry Christmas! 

We had such a wonderful Christmas, celebrating together as a family and watching the pure joy in Ell's eyes as she took in all the joys of Christmas. 

It was so magical this year. Most importantly, because Ell truly understood the reason for all of our joyous celebration. 

Our holiday was filled with so much fun. We had . . . . . .

Gift exchanges with dear friends.

Thanks for the fun night Madeline and Theo!

Sweet Emmers. We are just missing our bestest bud Dono!

We had lots of fun outfit days too.

Two visits to see Santa. She was so cute each time. Ell had no problem walking right up and telling him what she wanted, and sitting right up on his lap. She just couldn't figure out why there were two, AND why he was wearing a seatbelt! I died laughing.

Cookie decorating with Gigi. Such a fun tradition we have. Thanks Mom.

Christmas Eve was spent at Jose's parents house. We always have so much fun while we're there! They spoiled her with way too many gifts, which we are so beyond grateful for. 

One of her favs……… a new bike!

Christmas morning was spent at home, just the three of us. She loved all of her gifts, and opened each one with such excitement. Her big gift from Mom and Dad was a huge doll house, and she loved it. We moved in up to her room right away, and she's been playing with it non stop. So sweet to see and hear her play with her dolls. 

We headed to my Mom's around 3:00 for round three. I wanted to get a few pics of our girl all dressed up, and I was so happy to get some cute ones. She is just so sweet.

She loves her cousins so much!

We are so grateful for all of these unforgettable memories, and could not have asked for a better Christmas season. It's so hard to believe it's all over. Hoping each of you had a wonderful Christmas, spent with family and dear friends. 

I know 2015 is going to be an AMAZING year!

Our Christmas Card

Hi there! 

If you remember my post from last year, Getting a good photo of our sweet girl is no easy feat. This year, I decided to get her dressed up, take her out front, and try to snap a few photos. Well folks, not only was I able to get one good pic, but there were several for me to choose from. 

I was so excited! 

When I was looking for our cards, I made two separate options to show the hubs. I loved the Cheer card, and he loved the Joyous card, so instead of selecting one, I decided to get both!

I LOVE how they both turned out, and I am SO excited to share them with YOU . . . . . . 

I ordered both cards from Tiny Prints. They always have so many great options to choose from, and I love their paper quality. I also love that that have so many options with the trim of your card, and the envelopes. I even ordered some cute labels to place on the outside of our envelopes!

Thanks so much for stopping by to see our card!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. 

Thanks for the fun link up girls.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!

Christmas is in full swing at the Garcia household, and we are soaking up every minute of it. I love the holidays, but they have become so much more magical ever since we had Ell. She is finding joy and excitement in everything this year, and it makes my heart SO happy. 

My dearest friend Megs did a book advent calendar last year, and I thought it was the neatest idea. So, Megs got us started with some Christmas books, and I've been shopping since last Christmas, trying to buy a few books each month. Well, I thought I had a pretty good stash until I realized I needed to buy 12 more! YIKES. Not the cheapest way to go, but I know she will love it for years to come. 

I've been leaving the book out each day so it's ready as soon as she gets home from school, or if it's the weekend, as soon as she's up from her nap. Once she unwraps her book, she heads over to her other two countdowns and we read our daily devotional. It's quite the routine. She is such a girl of structure and routine(just like her Mama), so if the book isn't out, she's not having it. It's so cute. 

Her bookshelf is already filled with 11 beautiful Christmas stories, which she insists get piled in her bed each night as she goes to sleep. Not quite sure how that's going to look when we're on day 25!

Opening up her first book//December 1st

We made this advent out of scrap book paper. She loves tearing a ring off each day.

Ell made this in her Sunday school class a few weeks ago. She loves it, and before we place each picture, we read her devotional. So special for her. 

I was ahead of schedule for Christmas cards this year, but didn't want to send them out before December hit. They went out this week, and I am loving all the cards each day. Getting mail is so fun, especially when you get to see your beautiful family and friends. I even made a new lattice Christmas card display I saw on Pinterest. More pics to come!

Our weekend was jammed packed with all things Christmas. Saturday morning was spent putting up all our Christmas decorations, and later that afternoon, Ell had her school's Christmas musical performance. All week her teachers told me she was one of the loudest singers, and that she was also very animated with her gestures. Our church's main chapel was packed! I thought she would for sure freeze when she saw everyone.Well friends, not a chance. She was the cutest thing ever, and she was so loud and happy the entire time. I could not stop laughing and smiling. Watching our little girl up on stage for the first time is something we'll never forget. So special for Jose and I to see. 

There she is! Second row, far left, with her red bow. 

Gigi came of course . . . . . .

 

and so did Grandma, Papa, and Tia UU.

Her bestest buddy was cheering her on the whole time. Too bad these two little performers couldn't sing together. Now that would've been a show!

On Sunday, it was off to Home Depot for our tree. We arrived bright and early, just as they were still unwrapping freshly delivered trees. I had no idea their trees came all the way from Oregon.  No wonder they are always SO beautiful and stay alive forever. Ell was full of excitement and couldn't wait to load up in Daddy's truck and help him pick out our tree. 

"Wait one minute, I need to get my gloves on!"

They had the cutest tree displayed where you could write your families name on your tree's stump. Such a clever idea. Way to go Home Depot!

And we're off! We found ourselves a keeper. (and one for Jose's parents too!)

On Tuesday, Ell and Gigi made an amazing gingerbread house. So fun for her. Every day she eats a small little candy off her house. If it's anything like last year, this little house will still be around come Christmas Day. Thanks Mom!

And…. It's not Christmas without some fun pajamas! 

So much Christmas fun, and it's only December 11th! (Happy Birthday Mama)

Can't wait for what's to come. . . . .