Ruby's big Christmas gift - her own playhouse

Ruby's main Christmas gift this year was a playhouse for the backyard. Alex put it together in a flash (such a handy daddy!) and Ruby just loves it!

It has a neat doorbell which she rings before she goes inside. It has two little seats and a table built into the side and a phone that makes real ringing noises.

It has two shutters she can open and close. Here's daddy peeking in!

Christmas packages (early)

Alex and I let Ruby open her packages from Santa a few days early since we didn't want to transport everything to Beaumont. As much as we love spending Christmas with my parents, we will start spending Christmas day at our own house. We want Ruby to enjoy waking up to Santa's surprises in her own home.




She liked all the fun wrapping paper, but still needed a bit of help opening things. She kept opening one thing and wanted to play with just that one thing instead of moving on to something else.

She got a tiny baby doll in her stocking.

It has been so much fun this whole holiday season watching her get excited about the santas, snowmen, jinglebells, snowflake decorations. Her eyes have just lit up with all the lights and songs and it has just been magical.

And Santa must have known that this girl likes jewels because she got a sparkly jewelry box filled with baubles.




She liked the pretty owl and moon statue and we 'hoot hoot hooted' at it.

Celebrating Christmas early with the Macnabs and Robersons

Alex's sister, Kate, hosted an early Macnab/Roberson Christmas since we were spending Christmas day with my family.

We ate a delicious dinner and then opened packages!





I made a spinach/balsamic onion/goat cheese salad.






Ruby got to eat dinner with her cousin at his toddler table.






Kate found these neat beard hats for Alex and Allen. She always finds the neatest stuff!



Thanks Macnabs and Robersons!

Festive trip to the Galleria

Earlier this week Alex's mom joined Ruby and me on our annual festive trip to the Galleria.

We walked through a few shops and met Annette, Matias and Sofia for a short while. The three of us also enjoyed lunch at La Madeleine.


We checked out the HUGE tree and watched the ice skaters.















And Ruby got yet another photo with Santa at the Nordstroms. (I made her this dress too!)

Christmas tree farm visit

Ruby and I went to a local Christmas tree farm for a walk around.

She was especially fond of the farm cat that followed us for a bit.

They had all kinds of fun decorations out and Ruby enjoyed exploring!

Warm December day at the zoo

I'm so glad I got a zoo membership. We have been so often and Ruby loves the animals!

It was an especially warm December day (I think it was in the upper 70s) so we met Lori, Maddie, Cuyler and Jax at the zoo!

Maddie shared her wagon with Ruby.







The fish are always a bit hit!

Newern Christmas Party

Last weekend we went to a fun party at the Newberns (a friend from our playgroup). They invited a Santa to come and read 'The night before Christmas' (so cozy with the tree and fireplace!) and take pictures with the kids.





We had such a nice time!