Throw-back Tuesday

We were playing at the playground today, and I suddenly had a flashback from a year ago!

Aly, last year.

Caroline, today.

Christmas

We had a Christmas full of surprises. I'll let the pictures tell most of the stories, but here is a quick summary:

Surprise #1: Nana and Papa got here on Christmas Eve. That was planned, but with all of the icy weather in Syracuse, we were pleasantly surprised that they actually made it here with no delays or hold-ups!

Surprise #2: Our family was visited by the stomach bug. Enough said!

Surprise #3: Any of you who know me at all know that my younger brother, Chris, has always been my best friend...I miss him EVERYDAY. He packed up his awesome wife, Cortney, and their perfect 9-month-old, Ben, and drove 11 hours from Dallas to surprise us. (well, my parents knew, but it was a total surprise to me!) By far the very best gift!

Surprise #4: If you notice, Chad didn't make it into any pictures...once the poor thing got over the stomach bug, he had a basketball tournament in South Dakota. Bad weather extended their trip until the 2nd. Happy New Year!

I hope that you all had a very merry Christmas! (LOTS of pictures...sorry!)

A Hula-hoop from Santa...

...and some fancy jewelry.

Aly's art easel

Caroline's bike

My little ballerinas

Decorating Christmas cookies...

...with Nana

As if Alyweren't already Diva enough! (that's gorgeous Aunt Elizabeth behind her)

MOVIES!!!--the best part about being sick!

SURPRISE!! Chris called from the driveway to ask if they could come to dinner!

...and they brought a precious gift!

Nana, Papa, and the girls

Cousins undressed...

...and dressed!

Sweet Baby Ben!

Uncle Chris, Aunt Cortney, Aly, and Caro

Aly practicing her ballet