Uncle Dan bought Lizzie some new rain boots - she was so excited to try them on (this is what we call "new boot goofin'").
Earlier this same day we (mostly Kate - I helped with sprinkles and baking, Lizzie helped cut them out and made finger prints on them) made Christmas cookies. 
Another photo of Lizzie meeting Santa - I was so excited to get her picture with him this year! She was not shy at all - she went right up to him and shook his hand and was the first to sit on his lap. He asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she said "a candy cane, please" (which she received from Mrs. Claus when she hopped off his lap - pretty easy to please!). I was so glad she wasn't scared!
Do you see her below? The other kids are sort of hanging back and she ran right to them when she saw them. I know it might not be like this another year (I think she was the youngest one there), but I hope she continues to feel confident when Mom and Dad are there.
Right before Christmas we got a nice snow storm - perfect for making snow balls! The three of us spent much of that afternoon outside. We made a fort, snowmen (2), snow angels (many) and used the little sled. What a nice time!
Here is Lizzie opening one of her gifts at Mimi and Timbers - a big jar of olives! She loves olives (we all do) and this was a great gift.
The photo below is also at Mimi and Timber's house - before we opened presents. Lizzie got her first real taste of major present opening of the year here. She was exhausted by the end of it!
Lizzie and Aunt Angi, patiently waiting for present time.
We opened presents at home the night of the winter solstice. Ryan surreptitiously bought and wrapped a necklace for Lizzie - she was pretty excited to have a necklace just like Mommy! I asked her to look at us so we could take a picture - this is the best we could get from her. She really likes looking at it in the mirror.
This is Lizzie looking at it before she discovered the mirror.
