It's Christmas Time!

Yes, it is Christmas! We are really starting to get into the Christmas spirit too! Last night, Keith and I put up our tree after the girls went to bed. Putting up our tree is always so much fun because all of our ornaments mean something and are either a special gift from someone or are a souvenir of somewhere we have been together. Every year at Thanksgiving, Nana and Papa give the girls their ornament for that year, so that has become a special tradition as well. We put up a few other decorations too, but nothing like normal because we don't know how active the girls are going to be! The Christmas village is definately not out this year, maybe next year though. Basically, we have the tree and the nativity scene...the focus of Christmas. Below are pictures of the girls this morning when they saw their tree for the first time. I need to take some of them looking at the nativity and post as well. We put the nativity on top of the mantel so they couldn't reach and so that we didn't loose the pieces like we do puzzle pieces! The girls both love to look at the nativity and point to the characters. The sweetest thing ever is when they pick Baby Jesus up out of the manger and love Him and lay Him back down.

Of course now, Keith and I are anticipating Christmas morning quite like never before. However, looking at those faces light up this morning when they saw the tree and the lights, I realize more than ever that this is what Christmas is about. First of all, God's greatest gift, Baby Jesus, our Savior and next the gift of family and children and sweet time together making memories.

What we've been up to lately...

We've been having a blast lately! I have to admit, my girls are at this super fun age. Daily they are learning how to do new things and say new words. Their bursts of laughter bring me so much joy daily. I want to share a few special pictures with you that we have taken over the last couple of weeks.

First, my sleeping beauties! These pictures are precious. Keith doesn't like me to take pictures of them sleeping out of fear I am going to wake them. They have yet to wake up because of flash, but if they do, and I get a sweet picture...it was worth it!

Next, just some happy pictures of our girls!

Our beautiful family!

Play in the laundry basket, a daily favorite of ours!

Play with Tracey's pets! The girls were amazed!

Our First Snow

On Friday morning, we woke up to our first snow! Daddy got our coats on as quickly as possible so we could go outside and see what we thought of the snow! This was ok for a first, but we can't wait until the ground is covered and we can dive in head first!

Cooke News...

I thought it was time for an update. Our little girls have been keeping us busy. The biggest update I suppose is the teething situation. It seems like everyday now I am finding a new tooth on one or the other! Kayla now has 2 bottom ones completely shining and one more coming in on the bottom. She also has at least 2 about to appear any day now on the top. Addison finally (at 13 months!) has one showing on the bottom and I believe her top 2 are well on the way and should be glistening any day now!

Both girls are walking. Sometimes they try to run, which them nor myself is quite ready for. Addison is in full gear and she spends most of her days walking in circles simply because she can. Kayla is still a tad unsteady but she can definately get around on her two little feet. That child loves, loves, loves shoes...a girl after my own heart! We've even had to allow her to sleep in shoes because of her refusal to take them off.

As for recent adventures, our girls mostly demand we play outside. We really would like to take them to the zoo sometime in October. The girls love to swing, that has been the case since their first encounter in a swing back in April, I think. They have the most fun at Grandma's and Grandpa's where they are free to roam the farm and have plenty of animals to look at and things to get into. Most days there are lovely dirt stains on some part of their britches! It's all good, I don't mind! They have trycles at the Grand's which they mostly push around, and of course they love riding the tractor or lawn mower. Fun times! Tonight, the girls just wanted to sit in our driveway and play with rocks. We have a huge yard with lots of pretty green grass, but they wanted the rocks. OK, whatever keeps them happy!

As for now, our little beauties are sleeping. This is another milestone and a wonderful thing to have a routine and bedtime. They will be up bright and early in the morning to help Mom put her makeup on before going to work. (yes, they sit on the counter with me EVERY morning and play with my makeup while I get ready...call me insane, but they'll be grown soon and I will be thrilled I spent that time with them every morning, and while we are on that soapbox, we have the same routine with dinner in the kitchen!) So, yes, at 8 they go to bed and Keith and I straighten the house, get clothes ready, wash dishes, and so forth. But of course not tonight, it's Monday Night Football, so take care, enjoy the game and thanks for sharing our wonderful world with us.

our new shoes

They look so grown up! The girls love their shoes and they are so adorable in them!

Kayla & Addi, always entertaining!

Give them an ear of corn for supper...and they will sit for literally an hour!
Turning 1 brought lots of new changes, one of which was whole milk. This is the girls' first time with whole milk. Addi is starting to like it better, Kayla is still not drinking quite so much!

In Daddy's hat! A beautiful picture!
Addison wouldn't leave it on long enough for us to get a picture, although here it looks like Makayla and Daddy are the ones taking it off!

Updated Pictures of Our Gorgeous Children