I am glad it is a short one!

I seem to always find a doll next to him.
Poor little guy!

Ellison ran screaming through the house,
"Mom, get you camera, get your camera." 
She wanted me to take a picture of her creation.
(Thanks Papa for the cool Magna Blocks)

Wait, whose toy is this?  According to Ellison it is hers.

Finally home and can take shots of Dylan in his chair.
He already seems to big!

I am glad it is a short one - short week that is!  With Ellison out of school and the Clark family back in our house, things were normal?!? Well since normal is crazy, then yes, normal. I am super excited for the weekend when Graham will be home and I can shower before 4 pm!  Woo hoo!!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

The from scratch Chocolate Cake.
I measured the ingredients and Ellison poured, mixed, and decorated.

Headbanging to Happy Birthday.

Ellison gave several performances of Happy Birthday to her very loved Grandma.

Happy Birthday Grandma!  We love you sooooo much!

Fun at Aunt Kim's House

Aunt Kim was a lifesaver last week! She helped me with Ellison so I could move back in, set up Christmas, and finish shopping.  Thank you Aunt Kim!

Christmas Evening

A house light display we happened upon on the way to my parents.

"Where's my picker?"

Rock out!

Little Mermaid is Ellison's favorite!

As I put Ellison to bed, I asked her what her favorite thing was.  Her response, "I liked my pink guitar. I rocked it like a Rock Star!"

A Very Merry Christmas Morning

Ellison was upset that Santa did not eat all of her cookies. 
I think next year, she will only leave a few out for the Big Guy!

Santa remembered her baby Ariel doll!

Santa came last night! Woo hoo! Graham and I loved watching Ellison find out what Santa brought her.  She explored each toy before she moved onto the next. She would show each toy to Dylan and say, "We will play this when you are bigger, ok." 

Graham's family arrived mid morning to open presents followed by my family for brunch. . We all had a wonderful time.  Above are a few videos captured of Ellison with her Princess dolls (yes, she got a whole set) and her microphone.  Needless to say, both were a huge hit. 

After everyone left, Ellison and Graham took a nap.  I spent the next two hours with Dylan on my chest watching a movie.  It was a wonderful day!

310 Christmas

This deserves a frame!

A few pictures of our Thursday night Christmas celebration at 310 with Andy before he left us for his own family.  The nerve of some people!

A Quiet Eve

Looking for Santa.
A family tradition that started with my lovely Uncle Wayne and continues with Brett.

Art showing off his high number for the Dirty Santa game.

Ellison refused to smile with me.

Family traditions are a wonderful thing.  Every year, the Beamans gather on Christmas Eve at my parents house for dinner, dessert, and gifts. The Acacias stop in after 10 pm for some hugs and exchange of gifts.  And after everyone is gone, my Mom brings out one gift for her three girls... new pajamas.  Historically, the opening of the pajamas turns into begging to open other gifts, but we are getting better with age and now only Kimberly begs (she loves to give gifts early).

There are only a few requirements for the evening, mainly we all have to be there.  Others have joined us (always welcome), however, the both Beaman families are always present.  Over the past few years, we have had a few major changes to the Beaman clan.  First, we welcomed Ellison and have enjoyed every minute of Christmas Eve with a child present.  Last year, she was stealing M & Ms and attempting to walk in her first pair of princess heels (thanks to Andy).  This year, she was dancing, singing, giggling, and reminding us all of the spirit of Christmas.

Another change, took place last year when my beloved and very much missed Uncle Wayne passed away.  Tears and memories were exchanged last year as we all were healing from the loss.  This year, one of our wonderful traditions started by Uncle Wayne was passed on to his son, Brett, to carry on.  Every Christmas Eve, Uncle Wayne would call us outside to look for Santa.  And sure enough we would spot him up in the sky with Rudolph leading the way with his blinking red nose.  (If you are not sure how, call me and ask and I will fill you in)  This year, we were ready to start the tradition back up.  I think it was my favorite part of the night, it reminded me of a wonderful person and I saw my beautiful daughter believe in something so magical and wonderful.

Our last change is our newest addition, Dylan.  Last Christmas, I was not pregnant and had no idea what 2010 would bring.  As I ran through the stores doing my last minute shopping with Dylan in tow, I thought about how blessed I am to have two beautiful and healthy children. I look forward to next Christmas Eve were I am sure I will have two children with sparkles in their eyes.

Time to Enjoy

Decorating the tree.

Enjoying a Christmas movie.



Ellison loves inflatables.



Enjoying his first day in the house.

Decorating cookies for Santa.

Our home was completed and ready for us to move in just in time for Christmas.  Two days prior, in fact.  So Graham bought a Christmas tree, strung the house with lights, and my Mom and I unpacked the main rooms to make the house cozy and ready for a Christmas celebration.  We were so happy to be back in our home for our First Christmas in the new house and as a family of four.