QT with the BY's

Rob and I both miss the days of being able to hold Claire in our arms for longer than, oh say, 30 seconds before she squirms away! Lately we've found out that she'll let us snuggle with her on the couch IF she can watch the Backyardigans! It's become part of Rob and Claire's routine in the evenings to have some quality cuddle time on the couch before bath and bed. We have to call it "The BY's" because if she hears us say "Backyardigans" she runs into the living room and stands at the tv saying "ssss"! It only keeps her attention for about 10 or 15 minutes, but it's worth it!

O Come All Ye Southards

Today was our annual Southard Christmas party, hosted by Matt and Alison this year. It was wonderful to see everyone. I have to admit, it was also nice that we didn't have to make the drive to Northern VA! (Sally, remember the lovely trip last year on 95 with a screaming baby?!) Anyway, it was so much fun to see everyone and the day went by too fast. (In the above picture, does anyone else think it looks like Bob is giving Annie a wet willy and she's shooing him away?! Ha!)This year, instead of the adults exchanging gifts, we each gave some money and collected almost $500 for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation to give in honor of Kathy, Rob's mother. I am so proud of our family!! Of course, Claire still hit the jackpot with tons of fun presents! This was one of Daddy's favorite things she got! (But notice the golf ball in her hand in every picture. Note to self...just get the girl a golf ball for Christmas!) And it must have brought good luck tonight! Go Skins!
Claire's trying to figure out her "popper." When she unwrapped this, someone said "raise your hand if you had one of these when you were a kid" - I think everyone in the room raised their hand!
We love you Southards! Thanks for a great time today and for all the nice gifts for Claire. We will really enjoy all the new books to read, outfits to wear, and toys to play with! I didn't get many pictures today....send me some if you got em!

Phew! The Christmas cards are finally done!

It was a close call....I was running so behind that my Christmas cards were almost going to have to be New Year's cards! We did a quick photo shoot yesterday. Here's a shot that definitely did NOT make the card: Once again this year, I had some help writing the letter.

The Santa Stare-Down

Today Rob took some time off work to take Claire to see The Lengendary Santa at the Children's Musuem! We had fun watching Santa come down the chimney...I can remember watching him do that as a kid and being so amazed! First you get to talk to the beautiful Snow Queen... Then Santa calls you by name and you go tell him if you've been good this year....I love this picture, it looks like they're having a meaningful conversation :-)

We were so impressed that Claire didn't cry! But she wasn't cracking a smile and she definitely gave Santa the famous "Claire Stare-down"!!

What a fun day! She looked so sweet in her Christmas dress and patent leather shoes. It's a fun tradition and maybe next year she'll understand it a little more!

Congratulations Aunt Alison!

Today we celebrated Alison's graduation from VCU with her MBA! We're so happy for you Alison!!!Claire with Uncle Matt and Aunt Alison Claire found their tree much more interesting than ours (which I guess is good for me) and she kept pulling ornaments off. She liked this one with her picture in it! After yanking off quite a few ornaments, leaving a trail of puffs all over the house, and splashing candle wax onto their table and wall, we decided we had overstayed our welcome and headed home!
Mrs. Norman....do you remember you gave this dress to Claire? She looked so cute in it! Thank you!!

Dance Party

We were all about the dance parties today. We started out dancing to the singing penguins...

And then to everybody's favorite, "Jingle Cats!" We even got the disco ball going!

Thanks Patty for the outfit...I wasn't sure if she'd ever get to wear the shirt before outgrowing it. Who knew we'd have a 70 degree day in December!