But, when we arrived back we were greeted by a precious little girl who had been SO sweet while with Tootsie and Pop, but who had missed her Mommy and Daddy very much. She wasn't sad to see us leave, but she was so excited to have us back around! We kept getting hug after hug after hug! So, naturally when we needed to spend the 23rd-24th running a few last minute errands (thankfully I had done all the Christmas shopping and wrapping prior to the trip - a first for me to have it done early!) and making food preparations for Christmas Day, we had a LOT of help. :)
My ballerina helper - helping "spray" the red velvet cupcakes, and the purple velvet we made just for her!
Granny and Grandpa Armstrong arrived on the 23rd and on Christmas Eve Turner helped Granny make chicken and dumplings - which has become our dinner of choice on Christmas Eve after the candlelight service. Granny and Grandpa gave Turner that cute apron and hat for her birthday this year!
Of course being a church musician makes things a little different on Christmas Eve...lots of musical preparations ahead of time, three separate cars driven to/from the church, not being able to sit with family during the service. But, it's God's gift entrusted to me to use for His glory, so I count it a privilege to participate in that special way. But, due to my schedule leaving earlier/arriving home later than others, we didn't really get any great family pictures together this year. Mark had already changed, but was gracious to put back on his dress shirt....but then of course our normal camera queen was being shy.
She did pose for one picture with Mommy (not wanting to be picked up) in front of our beautiful tree that Pop picked out for us this year.
But, ultimately, this is the reality of the picture taking that night...
After a yummy dinner of chicken and dumplings, we finally got Turner settled in for bed on the air mattress in the floor of our bedroom (her room was being used by Tootsie and Pop). And when I say finally, I mean at 11:45pm, and by "settled" I mean eventually moved into our bed to get her to sleep. Santa's primary elf had been busy earlier in the day so everything was assembled, we just had to get everything set up like Santa would want it!
We did leave some cookies and milk for Santa, but when we asked Turner what she wanted to leave for him she said, "Some dumplings! Because they are DEE-LI-CIOUS!"
We did leave some cookies and milk for Santa, but when we asked Turner what she wanted to leave for him she said, "Some dumplings! Because they are DEE-LI-CIOUS!"
This short video below will give you a sneak peek into what that morning was like, and the last 10 seconds include a peek at how we ended our day watching the Christmas SNOW! If you can't watch but 10 seconds, watch the first fifteen seconds and check out sweet Turner's reaction to what Santa left....for *parents there's no better reaction on Christmas morning!
*Parents, who when their precious daughter awakened around 7:30am and asked them if Santa had been there yet said, "Well, we don't know, crawl up here in bed with us for a few minutes." We all slept till 9:00 - while all four grandparents had been up waiting for hours. What can we say? She's wired like her Mommy and Daddy to love sleeping late!
I was also tickled by her response when I asked her if she had a good Christmas. She said, Yes Mommy, Santa makes the best toys ever!"
A few pictures and highlights of the morning...
A sweet hug for Daddy to thank him for a gift. With a birthday about a month before Christmas, we realized the need to teach Turner the importance of being grateful for each and every gift received - that gifts are meaningful and special, not commonplace.
And thanks to Granny's awesome idea, Mommy and Daddy wrapped up the infamous purple unicorn Pillow Pet that Turner "found" a couple of weeks before Christmas in Santa's hiding place. She was totally shocked to unwrap it, and had the same reaction she did the first time.
Learning how to operate her V-Reader which has been the most used Christmas present she received this year thus far. Thanks Granny and Grandpa!
Uncle Richard has a way of choosing gift that Turner absolutely loves! This awesome Melissa and Doug art easel (paint and dry erase on one side, chalk board on the other) is also one of Turner's favorite Christmas surprises (and a new addition to my kitchen decor)!
About 7pm on Christmas night, we were shocked to see snow falling outside! A White Christmas? In Alabama? Definitely something unexpected and special!
We had a wonderful Christmas this year with all four grandparents sharing the special day with us here in Auburn. We did miss BB and Matt and Uncle Richard and Great Aunt Arlene who were unable to join us! We hope you had a blessed Christmas celebration with those you love!
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