Grandma & Me: My Two Favorite Presents Under The Christmas Tree

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I had a wonderful week having all my children and grandchildren home.  We spent most of the week indoors as we had several winter storms move through the area but we did get out once to see a local park's Christmas Light show.  Alethea loved it!  I never saw her so happy.  But I wasn't sure what she enjoyed more:  the fresh fallen snow or the Christmas lights.

We took some time during the week to take our Christmas photos.  Since I now have an all-white-living room, I can decorate my tree any color I like instead of trying to match the colors in the room.  I love that!  I was going to do a red and white tree, but I didn't have any really bright red ornaments (I will be purchasing some AFTER Christmas!) so I went with white, cream, and soft gold.  You will see more pictures of my homes Christmas decorations in a later post.

And here are my two favorite presents under the Christmas Tree, my grand babies!  I would rather see these two under my tree than any other present in the world.

Alethea is now two years, five months and Atticus is five months.

Alethea is still my spunky, sweet, full of life grand daughter.  She was so excited to come to my house.  She hadn't been here for over a year (we always went to their home)  so she didn't remember it.  She had so much fun exploring all the different levels and rooms of such a large home.  She lives in a small apartment in the city, so it was quite the novelty for her.

Atticus is such a sweet baby.  All you have to do is look at him and say one word and he bursts into a huge smile.  He has such a sweet spirit.

I felt super blessed to have my beautiful grand babies home with me for a full week.  My birthday ended up on Thanksgiving Day so we threw a little Birthday Party for me.  I feigned to be tired from cooking all day and I went into another room to "rest".  While I was pretend "resting". Alethea and everyone else got out a cake, party hats, banner, and party horns.  Then Alethea came and got me and everyone blew their horns, and shouted and sung "Happy Birthday".  I don't know who enjoyed it more, me or Alethea.

My daughter Ashley wanted some Christmas Stockings for the kids this year. At first I was going to make them but when I saw these cute ones at Hobby Lobby for only $2.00 I thought "Why make them?"  I did hand make a burlap tag for each one.  Post on that coming soon!

I decided on what we would wear for our photo shoot after I saw Alethea's dress.   Alethea's Christmas dress is a hand-me-down gift from a couple in my daughter's Bible study group.  I believe Atticus' cute outfit is also used.  Once we decided on the children's attire, I started looking for a black or red Christmas outfit.  I usually don't buy new Holiday clothes, but I've been wearing the same Holiday attire for years so I thought it was time for something new.  Plus, after all the sales, rewards discounts,  and coupons, my dress was practically free.  So all three of us are looking pretty nice for almost nothing!

Atticus has such a curious nature.  He is always watching people, especially his sister.  I love how he is watching her open this present.

I wanted to get one good "Brother/Sister" photo but it was so hard.  It is such a challenge photographing a baby and a toddler together.  Someone is always moving!

I just love Alethea's dress!  The top and hem are black velvet.  The white skirt is taffeta with a black velvet design, and the dress is even more festive with the pretty red bow.

We wondered if we should put Baby Atticus is something more formal to match our dresses, but I just really liked this "Baby's 1st Christmas" outfit.  I thought it was so cute, plus I prefer babies in soft clothing for comfort.  And by the way, isn't he the most handsomest baby boy?  He is going to be quite the heart breaker when he's older!

Now if you're looking for a new holiday dress, I highly recommend this one.  As of Sunday, it is still available in both red and black, and it's half off!  My favorite thing about it is that the material does not wrinkle.  I ordered it on line and when I pulled it out of the plastic bag there were no wrinkles.  I also love the black piping and bell sleeves. And, it's a good length for my 5'7 frame.  Most dresses are always too short on me.

I paired my dress with all black accessories...everything is old other than the dress so I have no links for you,

The dress is by Liz Claiborne and you can find it HERE!  I'm wearing a size 6 for your size reference.

Oh my precious grand babies, how I love them so.  They are my two favorite presents under the Christmas Tree.

Have a Great Day!  Amy

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