New York @ Christmas

We got to go again to NYC during Christmas time this year. I love just walking around and taking in all the sights and Christmas decor. It's one of my favorite places to be at my most favorite time of year. We met up with Clay and Cara Conly who were visiting from Northwest Arkansas and went and ate at Serendipity 3 and went to the Top of the Rock and I conquered my fear of heights... well, kinda. We also got to see the Rockettes and shop a lot!! Here are some pics from the weekend.

New Niece

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving Emily Catherine Mays was born in Little Rock. We got to spend some time with her over Thanksgiving and she is the sweetest, most perfect little baby ever. It made me even more ready to meet Finley!! I am so glad that both Brooke and I are having girls so close together so they can be best buds. Brooke and Tom are such a great parents and it's so nice to have someone that has just gone through what you are going and are about to go through for both Richard and I.

Christmas Decor

Since I've had my Christmas decorations up for a good month now I thought I would take some photos to share. I love decorating for Christmas and my hubby is so good about helping out. Last year we didn't get to put up a tree due to lack of room in our little apartment, so this year I went all out and put up all that would fit in our townhouse.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas! Can you believe that it's already almost here?? It's always been my most favorite time of year. I love to see kids get excited and I can't wait till next year when Finley will be here. They say that as you get older the excitement of Christmas tapers off but I don't think so. It's more than just the presents and decorations now... I love the way it makes you feel and just being together with the ones that you love.

Here are a few of my favorite Christmas things:

• Christmas Eve afternoon at Mamaw's and that night at Memaw's
  
• My dad reading the Christmas Story from Luke every Christmas morning.
  
• Christmas Eve candlelighting service at Church
• My family. All of them. The Hays' and the Vanhook's are the best people to spend holidays with.
• My little cousins anticipating Santa
  
• Martina McBride's "White Christmas"... the best Christmas CD ever, although last year Clay Aiken gave her a good run for her money
• Driving around and looking at Christmas lights
• Seeing a bunch of cars outside of a house because you know a family is celebrating
• Driving past Wal-mart on the way back from my Grandma's house and hearing my dad say, "Look now kids, you won't see that parking lot empty again till next year!!" (<--it's a tradition)
• Big fat colored lights
• Gaggers!
  
• Richard always having at least one surprise up his sleeve.
  
• Nativity Scenes
• Smells of Christmas... cinnamon, pine, apple cider, christmas cookies, etc.
• Jesus...

I know that it is so cliche to say that Jesus is the reason for the season- but it's true. I hope that during all the hustle and bustle of this time that we all remember why we celebrate. I hope everyone has wonderful holiday season!!!