Here we come a caroling

One of the greatest parts about the Christmas season are the songs, wouldn't you agree? We're lucky enough to have multiple radio stations that play holiday music, plus a TV station that has Christmas music (with title and artist listed!). Between those and CDs, there was no shortage of holiday cheer in the air at our house! Madeline quickly started asking "Mommy, what's this song called?" (ALL THE TIME, too), and she had certain favorites - such as "Fa la la la la" (Deck the Halls) and "Frosty the Snowman." More importantly, she's been practicing songs at church and, on December 9th, she sang in the Christmas program! Well, danced anyway. She usually sings along with her "church songs" in the car (we play the CD a lot so she learns the words), but apparently couldn't handle singing and dancing at once. We LOVED the show!

 

I can't resist sharing this video, too (below). It is incredibly precious to hear her sing Bible songs; it just fills your heart to bursting! Here she's singing a song "I Am the Door." The words she knows best are "I am the door" and "And you shall be saved."

The same weekend (Dec 9th), Ted and Jan came to visit (thanks for driving the +9 hours guys!!). We had an early Christmas celebration with them, plus they were able to enjoy the Christmas program and Olivia's Baby Dedication held that Sunday.

 

 

It was great to see Caleb's parents, and the kids especially liked the special attention from Grammie and Grandpa. Olivia is a total cuddle bunny, which goes very well with Grandparents visiting! She hardly had a moment when she wasn't held by someone.

 

Giving Grammie a smile!!

 

  

While Ted and Jan were in town, we couldn't resist a trip to the Mall of America (you may have guessed from the last picture above). Madeline had a BLAST going on rides with Grandpa!

 

 

 As I said, we had an early Christmas while they were in town.

 

Grammie and Grandpa gave her a vacuum, broom (not pictured), and snow shovel.

She's become our little helper now! Thanks guys! :)

 

 

 

She got a Christmas train from Great Grandma, and she points out to us that the Santa in her train is the same Santa in her Night Before Christmas book.

 

That was the weekend we got over a foot of snow, so Madeline got to use her shovel right away. Yes, that's right - over 12 inches in just a few hours. It makes for great sledding and shoveling, though!

 

Since most of you don't get a chance to regularly see Olivia, and thus watch her grow, here's a video especially for you! She's become quite alert, smiles a lot, and loved to "chat" with us! As videos go, this isn't terribly exciting, but if you're curious what she's like, this is for you: