Christmas Traditions

My mom started this for the girls the year we lived with them for Christmas and we just kept right on with it.  I get all our Christmas books, wrap them up and set then under the tree.  Then starting in December, each night, the girls take turn picking one and we read it. 

I always wonder if I'm more excited about the traditions then they are and if they ever even remember any of them after a long, whole year.  But a couple of weeks ago Addison mentioned she was excited to read all the Christmas books and Olivia has been trying to remember all the ones we have since then.  We opened our first one and I'm pretty sure she's going to be disappointed every night until they finally pick Fancy Nancy.  I kind of wish I remembered which one it was . . .  

These girls . . .

are the ultimate BFFs! 

Kate and Addison became inseparable last year when they got put in the same first grade class.  They're only 2 months apart and their little sisters are only 2 weeks apart so they're a fun little foursome. 

 Although they're in different 2nd grade classes, they still worked out all the meeting spots for each recess and then they carpool to and from school.

But these two, Kate and Addie, are really perfect for one another.
 They need Addison's know how and her assertive, motherly, "directive" personality and thye need Kate's spontaneity and her easy going, relaxed personality. They both are sweet, creative, imaginative and innocent.  Together, they make a well rounded, balanced little friendship.

I love that they plan, choreograph, organize costumes, direct and announce fashion shows for their little sisters. I love that they make paper kites and try to sell them to the neighborhood. I love that they made the biggest mess making cookies I've ever seen.  They trumped Olivia's mess making skills x100.  I love that they are both tall and usually tower over everyone else.  I love that they love each other's siblings (especially the sweet babies) and they're nice to their sisters - even when I know that's the hardest thing in the world some days.  I love that they make paper crafts and leave markers, itty-bitty scraps, crayons and their finished products taped all over the walls of our basement.   I love that they spend hours designing and drawing the perfect, modest outfits to one day be sent to the big world of fashion for their actual production.

 But mostly, I'm grateful that they have both been taught the same values, the same morals

and that they are both kindhearted and still so innocent.

Today, I am grateful for good friends. 
I'm grateful for all the amazing women that have come in (and sometimes out) of my life that have taught me, helped me develop and made me better.  I'm grateful for the many, many goods friends my children have and the good families we get to associate with.