This was the first time in 3 years that we were able to go back to Georgia for the holidays. We had a great time, but it was incredibly busy! The girls went to school through Friday the 21st so it was a bit of a whirlwind getting out of town.
Friday was a half day for both girls, so I went to school that morning for the parties. Scarlett's class had donuts and chocolate milk, then had a very special visit from Santa. They played a few games, and then I left for Elle's party. They sang us a few Christmas carols and then we made a craft with the class.
The 4 of us celebrated Christmas Friday night by going to dinner at Houston's, then letting the girls open presents from us.
Scarlett wrote Santa a note asking him to visit us early since we were going to Georgia and sent it to the North Pole with Chippy. We left out cookies and reindeer food on Friday night and woke up to presents from Santa on Saturday! The girls both got a scooter and helmet and they also got a Bubble Guppy toy.
Shortly after riding scooters up and down the hall, we left for Georgia. We arrived in Callaway Gardens around 4 and ate dinner with the family (all 14 of us!) and enjoyed the lights on the Jolly Trolley. Sunday morning we had breakfast, then went to the Butterfly house and the Horticulture Center. At first Elle thought the butterflies were cool, but when she got a closer look she said "I DON'T LIKE BUTTERFLIES BLEEEEHHHHH!"
We left Callaway around noon and headed to Conyers where I met up with Sarah and Courtney and their precious little babies. They are growing up so fast I love seeing them whenever I have a chance!
Monday was Christmas eve and Grandpa's birthday. We went to lunch downtown at the Sundial (the restaurant on top of the Peachtree Plaza - 74 stories up and it rotates). The girls enjoyed the elevator ride "up up up!" but I think the view of the city was a bit lost on them! It was fun for me to go back though since I hadn't been in years. After dinner we went to Oma's to visit with my extended family. It was fun to reunite with lots of cousins!
We spent Tuesday at Grandpa and Coco's house. We opened presents, enjoyed coffee and breakfast then a delicious Christmas dinner. The girls were so enthralled with their new dollhouse that we didn't see them for most of the day!
Wednesday we headed to Grammie and Papa's for more good food, family and presents! The girls were true rockstars with their Barbie guitars and tiaras!
Thursday was pretty low key as we hung out with family at Grammie's house. We all went to lunch and to Northpoint mall where I was able to find 5 new pairs of jeans with my Christmas money! Woohoo H&M!
Friday we headed to Canton to visit Gigi and Donk. We met them for breakfast at Cracker Barrel, then played at their house for most of the day until our traditional Outback feast that night. We exchanged a few presents after dinner and the girls got in their new jammies to head to bed.
Saturday we woke bright and early for more presents!
Elle was absolutely thrilled with her "choo choo train a Christmas"
We relaxed for the rest of the day and enjoyed some Christmas goodies.
Sunday we woke up and headed out again to go back to Conyers. We met up with Joe & his girlfriend Kella and Daniel, Jessica and their girls Ali and Annalee. We had lunch at Mellow Mushroom then went back to Daniel and Jessica's house so the girls could play while we visited. Scarlett asked me on the way home the next day why we couldn't play with them more. It's the perfect match since Scarlett and Alison are only a month apart and Elle and Annalee are only 2 weeks apart. Too bad we can't do more playdates!
Monday we left super early to head home. It seemed like a very long drive, but we made it home mid afternoon and even were able to pick up Abbie on the way back.
I took many many more pictures than I posted here. Apparently I can't share facebook albums with non facebook people anymore so I didn't bother to post them there. Check out our Flickr account for the rest!
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