Anna is TWO!

On December 21st, Anna Banana turned two. Yes, TWO!! It seems like we were just bringing home our Christmas baby! I could go on and on about how much joy Anna has added to our family. She is a ray of sunshine, always loves to giggle and play and sing! She is extremely shy around those she doesn't know, but silly and fun with her loved ones! There isn't a sweeter two year old out there! I can guarantee that! We love you Anna Christine! You are loved more than words could express! Happy 2nd Birthday, Anna!

I love this sweet smile!

How old are you, Anna? (Trying to put two fingers up... it's tricky!!).

Still trying...

I'm TWO!! She did it!

Last year for Anna's 1st birthday, I started a fun tradition of taking her picture on the exact time of her birth! This picture was taken on December 21 at 9:47am. Happy Birthday!!!!

LOVE her! Look at that face!

Christmas Cuties

Some sweet photos of my Christmas cuties in their Christmas dresses! Wishing all of you a wonderful Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Slumber Party

Over the weekend my nieces, Lauren & Jillian, spent the night for our first official slumber party at the Cutting house! The girls had so much fun playing with their big girl cousins! Claire thought it was neat that they were sleeping at our house! They even tucked Claire in and read to her. It was so sweet! Once Claire & Anna went to bed, the girls and I snuggled up under a blanket and watched a movie together. I had fun just spending time with them!

So FUN!!!!

Christmas Tea

Grammy is a tea connoisseur and has been to many tea houses. This beautiful tea house in Xenia is one of her favorites! Edith Mae's Tea Room is in an old, historic, colonial home that was built in 1840. It was a stunning house that was decorated beautifully! We really appreciate Grammy planning this very special Christmas Tea for us at Edith Mae's. We had a fabulous time and have decided to make this a fun Christmas tradition!

I love this house!


They had the tea house decorated for Christmas!


We had fun getting all dressed up for our tea party!

The architecture was gorgeous!

Anna perusing the gift shop!

We had so much fun trying on all the big hats!

We were lucky enough to have the tea house to ourselves!

Such a big girl sipping her tea!

The food was so delicious! Everything was made from scratch and right out of the oven! YUM!!

Claire & Anna loved their "pink tea" as Claire referred to the pink lemonade!

Just another photo of one of the beautiful tea rooms!

Good bye tea house... we'll be back!

Christmas w/ Grandma

As I have mentioned before, the girls and I have a monthly lunch date with my Grandma McDowell. This month, since it's December, we decided to take a few Christmas gifts for her to open! It was a neat addition to our already fun-filled day! I truly enjoy this time with my Grandma and my girls love it too! We look forward to it every month!!!
My Grandma had the house decorated beautifully for Christmas!

December 4th marked 10 years since my Grandpa McDowell passed. In many ways, it's hard to believe he has been gone that long. More than anything, I wish he could've seen and held my girls. He is truly missed and I could not have asked for a more loving & Godly grandparent. He was at every event growing up (with his camcorder!). He was definitely one of my biggest fans and that sentiment was most certainly reciprocated! I have assurance, through Christ alone, that I will see him again. So thankful for that amazing gift of salvation!

My Grandpa made this little Christmas tree and Anna was very intrigued!

Every month, we have the same delicious menu (why change a good thing??). The girls have mac & cheese and applesauce and my Grandma & I have chicken pot pies!!! Mmmmm!

These moments are priceless!

This picture makes me laugh because my brothers and I played on these same chairs when we were little! They go round-n-round REALLY fast! So fun!!