Merry-Merry!

Merry Christmas to our dear family and friends! We do hope you all have a terrific and Christ filled day today! Remember to pause during these wonderful festivities and thank Jesus for all your bountiful blessings.

Skyler visited Santa yesterday morning....just in time before he dropped of her gifts late last night. When we walked into his workshop the Princess couldn't believe her eyes! Santa was ready!!

 Before sitting on his lap, Skyler looked at all the pretty holiday decorations.

Santa remembered all three of us from last year! He said he could never forget her 2011 Christmas wish...."Please make Papa better". The Princess told Santa a few things that she would like. Her list included pretties, a car, laptop, a phone and a big bed. After a long hug and a sweet good bye, Skyler said with such excitment, "Santa likes me!"

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Farewell Oh-Ko!

The Final five mornings are documented below for your enjoyment, beginning with Thursday morning #21. Oh-Ko the Cowboy....  

Morning #22, Stocking Diver....

 Morning #23, Drummer Boy....

Morning #24, Hugging Buddies....

Oh-Ko is all done at the Short household and here's his last picture for the final morning #25, Christmas Eve. Skyler's Pixie Scout Elf practicing his Boy Scout skills on a chilly Monday morning!

He also left our Princess a farewell note that read: 

Dear Princess Skyler,

I have so loved spending these past 25 days with you. Watching you everyday has been a pure joy! Santa and all my elf friends are so proud of you. I wanted to remind you that even though presents are totaly AWESOME, Christmas is really about Jesus and HE loves you more than anything! Remember, Jesus is watching year round and is always there to listen. Keep praying, studying your Bible verses and honoring your Mummy & Daddy.

Until next year...Your Pixie Scout Buddy,

Oh-Ko

Oh-Ko was ready to head home to the North Pole and jumped on his reindeer before Skyler went to bed. She had a lovely talk with her buddy,discussing all the fun they've had together and her messages for Oh-Ko to tell Santa.

He then magically jumped over to open the door and the Princess blew her elf a kiss, said goodbye and trailed off to Gammey's bed to dream of Santa. Yes, Sky asked to sleep with Gammey tonight!

 With a blink of an eye, our Elf was ready to leave. Until Thanksgiving 2013, God speed, Oh-Ko!

Big On Tradition

Each year during Christmas time, I snap a picture of Skyler and her stuffed Santa, comparing how much she has grown since 2009. Please see for yourself, starting with the most recent photo....2012.  

2011....

2010....

2009....

We are so happy her hair stayed golden blonde and her eyes a beautiful blue. She certainly has grown. Believe it or not, but our 3 1/2 year old now wears a size 5T. God certainly has blessed us with such a precious gift!

From Ours To Yours

2012

Don't you just love Skyler's beautiful blue eyes....

The Short's Fourth Annual Christmas Card was mailed two weeks ago and we hope many of you received much joy from the Princess....

We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We end 2012 thankful for all the ways God has made himself evident and showing us that we can not do life without His unfailing love and mercy. God Bless!

Top Performance

Skyler performed at her school's Christmas Program last night and sang Jingle Bells and Nine Little Shepherds. The church was packed and our Princess sang loud and proud! No stage freight at all!

Skyler reported to her classroom at 6:15 and stopped for a photo opportunity with a friend, Bella Lee. Tom coached her Daddy on defensive for the Dreadnaughts many years ago!

 The classes walked in at 6:30 and Daddy was ready!

There are two 3 year old classes

 Let the singing begin!

Skyler was positioned next to Jordan. Her bestie Reese, was in the row behind her. Sky sang so well and even used her hands! The pianist was Matthew Corl. He played the music in our Wedding!

 Love this little girl so much......

After each class sang their songs, all students returned to the stage to sing, "Who Could Imagine A King". I captured the group shot. Skyler is far left. She even curtsied when she finished performing. What a true Princess!

After the program, we enjoyed refreshments in the Northex. Sky wanted to sing to us again, hence the 2nd performance...

 Hugs for a proud Daddy!

 Cookies shared with friends...

The Kings and Queens with their beautiful Princesses.....

 Skyler's Prince, Clayton Knowles...

 Sweet picture of the girls and their teacher, Miss Jenny...

It was another memorable and proud evening. It was Skyler's first Christmas recital was absolutely lovely, so we celebrated by going out to dinner for Chinese food!  

Holiday Light Hopping

Last night, our Family & the Hawxwell Family joined together to enjoy an evening of holiday lights at a local neighborhood.

The Princess was happy to adventure out with her buddy Reese and after I told her we'd be viewing the Christmas lights "hay-ride" style, she was even more merry. Hay ride equals the back of a Daddy's truck, minus the hay, add some blankets and tad bit of wind blowing through your hair.

Once we arrived to Ariana Village, the girls, Leah and I jumped in the back of Daddy's truck bed to tour the many elaborated light displays. Over 90% of the retired residents participate and the park even erects displays in the common ground area and clubhouse. It's a big production that draws large crowds. 

We stopped at the club house to stretch our legs and walked around the beautiful and quite festive grounds.

The home owners were all so very friendly! In fact, two men who were seated around a fire pit toasting marshmallows, came up to our truck to give the girls a hot yummy white treat. It was a first for them both and definitely won't be the last. We plan on making s'mores Christmas night! 

A tad bit blurry, but here's a pic of the nice neighbor bringing the girls toasted marshmallows.

Upon exiting the Village, we got to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Skyler got super excited and started waving frantically! 

Santa came up to the truck and gave the girls some candy and Mrs. Claus handed each of them a stuffed animal.

 Skyler loves Santa!

 Even us Mommies had a fun night!

Before heading home, we pulled into a near by shopping center so the girls could munch on a little picnic in the bed of the truck. They thought that was super cool!

 One last hug before switching cars.