Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with family. We feel so blessed to have been surrounded by so many people we love so much.

We spent the day preparing for dinner and for tomorrow. Then, we piled in the car and drove to Christmas Eve service in the snow. Yes, we felt so blessed that it snowed for Lyla’s Christmas and especially for Aunt Tevan’s first visit home for Christmas in 5 years.

We enjoyed a beautiful candlelight service (while Lance and Uncle Kip entertained the babies), and came home to have lasagna and to enjoy the evening with Aunt Rebecca, Uncle Kip and Baby Isabella. The girls are really starting to enjoy being together: 

And, afterward the boys gave their girls a Christmas Eve bath:

After the girls went to bed (which was much easier this year than I’m sure it will be in the future!), we played a game of Christmas charades.

And, then, after the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, we went to bed and waited for sounds of Santa….

Pumpkin Patch Take Two

Today we decided to try the pumpkin patch again with Blaire and Isabella (and Jennifer and Rebecca, of course). This time we visited a patch in Shelbyville – Gallrein Farms. It was a little less crazy than Huber’s, and everyone had a good time. Lyla practiced her walking skills, had a few falls, but all in all, it was a fun afternoon.

Here, it looks like the girls are in jail together. We certainly hope not, although they appear to be having a great time. :)

Some hay pics. All of the girls had their own agendas. I think Blaire was interested in getting a little shut eye here.

Spotting the tractor coming back from the pumpkin patch:

Lyla’s pumpkin patch experience was dominated by her hatred of the sun in her eyes and this half eaten banana from lunch. I had to pry it from her hands - she was not happy about it either.

Huber Farm = Freezing!

We went to Huber’s in hopes of creating a Hottman Family pumpkin picking tradition. All the girls were there – Lyla, Isabella and Blaire. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. We’ll try again next year, thanks to Jennifer’s dedication at getting the whole thing together.

We all showed up at the winery and started sampling wine, which was great fun. However, the cold and rain kept us there and we never got on the wagon ride as planned to pick our pumpkins. Instead, Lance bought one at a stand just outside the winery, and we headed home without our pumpkin patch pics.

We made the most of it, though. :)

And, of course, there was lots of walking involved. In fact, this proved to be quite a historic day for Lyla. When we got home and were getting ready for bed, she decided to walk, back and forth, on her own, between Lance and I. It was a culmination of everything she’s been working on over the last few week, and we sat there awestruck. We got a great video of it, which unfortunately, I don’t know how to load here (John??), but it was an absolutely amazing moment to be a parent. She was just as happy as we were, squealing with delight at what she had just accomplished, over and over and over again.

My favorite part of being Lyla’s mom is the inspiration I feel at how much she embraces life. She is so happy to be alive…makes you appreciate the little things, like being able to move your hands around.

Rain or shine, it was an awesome day.

My favorite: