Aunt Amy took Elena to a build-a-bear type place as a Christmas present. They got to spend special time together making a beautiful pony. Elena loved picking out the animal, outfit, and she named her Unicorn. Aunt Amy also gave Elena a pink gown for the pony which Elena has declared it's nightgown.
Elena, Ruby, and Nattie quickly distributed the presents and opened them all up. Elena got a barn with 5 plush ponies from Uncle Greg, Aunt Sarah, Ruby, Nattie, and Tate.
Nana and PopPop gave her a light up Tinkerbell! Even Daddy looks excited!
Elena loves the pony set and enjoyed shoving them in the barn and letting their heads poke out the windows.
Since all the Ruzauskas' were together, we made a trip to the mall to have a family portrait taken. We also got some cute candids in the mall play area.
Merry Christmas!
We visited Aiden at his home for playtime and present giving. Elena gave him a cool marble race toy. They had fun putting it together! Fortunately they were willing to take a break from playtime to pose in front of the tree - such goofy faces! This picture shows off the holiday dress Nana made - cute, huh?
There is also Christmas present fun at Auntie's library. Elena gave gifts and got some in return. She also handed out the calendars from Auntie. Lisa gave Elena Tinkerbell snow gear, Liz presented Elena with a giant princess chocolate bar, and Elena's favorite gift was from Mary, a doodle pony to cuddle AND color!
Our friends Tracy and Jeff had a baby girl on the 9th, so we made a trip to their house to meet Maddie Ruby. She's cute and Elena loved rubbing her head. Congratulations!
Elena's little tree decorated with Rudolph and ponies and whatever else she can cram on...
Elena decorating the big tree.
Out of 6 classes, Elena was the only kiddo crying as she climbed on stage. Miss Sarah consoled her best as she could...
Elena's class sang "Stars Shine Bright" and "Com'in Down the Chimney." There wasn't much singing that we could hear, but some mouths were moving...
Elena made her way off stage without any tears. She did a great job overall and we look forward to next year's holiday concert.
Afterwards, Grandma had a special prize for her. She also got a present from her teachers, Miss Sarah and Miss Andrea.
Her school party started with a feast! There were lil' smokies, blueberries, cheese, and crackers.
While the moms cleaned up, Elena busied her self with a gingerbread man collage.
Then it was on to the art projects! The kids made North Pole scenes and holiday bookmarks. There was also a book exchange. Elena received Harry the Dirty Dog.
We also made Christmas cookies at home. She chose to make reindeer (all were decorated with red noses), rocking horses, stars, hearts, trees, and gingerbread people.
Happy Holidays!
There wasn't as much snow as last year, and the trees didn't seem as nice, but that doesn't stop the fun!
We made a teeny Frosty, teeny Rudolph, and Tinkerbell. Can you make them out in the photo left to right?
We went with Gracie and her parents again this year. The girls had fun planting trees, building a snow castle, and doing a gift exchange.
Afterwards Elena helped get the tree in the house. She was sad when the needles fell off and tried to put them back on. Silly girl!
Our tree is decorated and there are presents underneath. We've already broken numerous ornaments this year... thank goodness the glue gun is easily accessible. Pics of the decorated tree will be up as soon as we take them... Maybe I can give Elena that job.
She rode the pink pony and the black pony.
But when she saw the carriages lined up, she really got excited!
After the carousel rides, we stopped by See's Candies to get a sucker for the bus ride home. Elena chose vanilla.
We had lunch at Typhoon! and Elena had crunchies (aka calamari).
These pictures are just of her goofing off with her "Penny Pinkerton" hair.
Elena loved the show, but didn't smile too much. She was too in awe of the dancing/skating.
Her favorite was the host, Tinkerbell.
But it was nice that Ariel had a real long segment and we could get some clear pictures.
Cinderella came out in her carriage pulled by ponies!
And the finale included all the princesses and their princes.
And of course Tinkerbell was the center of it all. Elena loved watching her ball rise up into the air.
We went to South47 Farm for Farm Tots and picked a little pumpkin and went on a hay ride. It was wet, but E loves to show off her Ariel umbrella.
Elena thought the little gourds were cute.
Before or after dance, I don't know - she loves wearing her ballet outfits!
Silly fat kitties love sleeping in E's bed (there are 2 kitties there).
E spent last weekend at Grandma's house so her parents could visit Auntie Tracy and Uncle Brandon in Canada. So, no pics for the blog from that, but this weekend we're painting the living room and I'm sure Elena will be "helping"... Oh, we also have the Princess Show!
