Christmas Has Arrived at Dee Dee and Grandfather's House

Most people who know the Kracht's know we are Christmas fanatics. We listen to Christmas music and watch Christmas movies year 'round, we go all-out with the Christmas decorations and Christmas presents, we love baking Christmas goodies, and we can't get enough of spending time together as a family (even if we have to plan it months in advance!).
But, what some may not know is that the Cannon's are big on Christmas decorating, too! Grandfather has already had his beautiful decorations up for a week or two... and they know how to do it up right.

Let's count the number of trees they have...

Living Room Trees

1 and 2

3

4

(Leila's Special Santa Claus Tree)

5

Entrance Hall Trees

1 and 2

Kitchen Trees

 

 1 and 2

Dining Room Trees

 1 and 2

How many trees does that make?

Five in the living room, 2 in the hall, 2 in the kitchen, and 2 in the dining room for a total of 11 Christmas trees!! Anybody else think that they can beat that?!

Now, for a few more pictures of the prettiness and of Leila enjoying the decorations. (She's already picked out a few ornaments that she really likes - there's a particular Santa ornament on her tree that she always gravitates towards.)

Grandfather's pretty angels

Checking out ornaments on the big living room tree

Leila is about the same size as these angels. Believe it or not, they used to actually hang on the living room tree, but that tree was getting old and Grandfather got rid of it last year. This year's tree is beautiful, but not quite as big. That means these pretty ladies don't really fit. But, they've found a wonderful place on the floor where Leila can enjoy them.

The dining room table is set for Christmas company.

The display case is ready for Christmas, too.

The Santa Claus in the entrance hall is bigger than Leila! Isn't he beautiful?

Leila and Dee Dee posing by her tree.

Do you think she will be able to tear into all of those presents by herself? I think she'd do pretty well if she was allowed to eat the paper off. Otherwise, she'll probably need some help. Luckily, I think she'll have plenty of help on-hand that day!

Thank you Dee Dee and Grandfather for making the house so special for us during Christmas!

Getting Ready for Winter

We finally got some cold weather recently, so we were able to try out Leila's winter hat and boots.

Doesn't she look like a little snow bunny (pun intended:)

We all went out to eat and then went to try out her shopping cart cover at Babies 'R Us.

She doesn't look happy, but we really did have a good time...

Especially playing peek-a-boo with her daddy.

Short and Sweet

Here are a few pics... for those who just can't seem to get enough of Leila :)

"Boy, this Sesame Street is awesome!"

"You think so, too, right?"

Getting bundled up...

...to go on a walk...in the cold.

(Whispered) "What is wrong with my parents?"

Best buds already!

First Halloween

Leila's first Halloween was spent running around.

First, we went to Gospel Lighthouse's Trunk or Treat to see Poppy with his small group's trunk, and to visit other friends.

Here is Leila with "Aunt" Alyssa.

Although Leila put on a show in her costume at the Fall Festival, she started out being quite the serious owl on Halloween.

Luckily, she eventually started smiling... when she met some other kiddos in costume.

Here is our friend Katelyn - the cutest milk carton there ever was!

Leila has always taken a special liking to "Uncle" Oscar and Halloween proved to be no different.

After the Trunk or Treat, we surprised Deedee and Grandfather with a visit.

Leila really started perking up at this point.

Then, off to Nan and Poppy's house, where Leila saw her friend Pico again.

She loves Pico so much because he is just her size.

Leila started to get sleepy, so we didn't stay long. But she did get to see her "mechanic" Poppy before we left.

We had so much fun and had such a good time seeing all of the kids in their costumes.

I wonder what we'll be next year...

A Very Special Day

This story starts many years ago...

Thirteen years, to be exact.

It's had its ups and downs...

...many dips and curves along the way...

...yet it continues on.

And, in this ever-changing world...

I can say that there is a person on whom I can count to be steadfast...

...unwavering...

...and forever giving.

I take a lot of things for granted in the midst of everyday life...

...but I know I am blessed beyond measure...

...with a life full of faithful friends...

...and loving family...

...both here and gone on ahead.

But I am especially to have a husband who is reliable...

...supportive...

...and who loves me (which we all know can be difficult at times!).

On this special day, celebrating the 5-year anniversary of a wonderful beginning, I am more blessed now than I could've imagined. And, I'd just like to say "thank-you" to my wonderful husband...

for our beautiful past, our incredible present, and our unimaginable future.

I can't wait to see what lies ahead, and I feel so blessed that I get to experience it all with you.

Thank you for all you do for our family... for how hard you work and all that you give to us... for allowing me to stay home with our daughter... for encouraging me and supporting me in my endeavors... and for helping to make our dreams come true. We have a long way to go, but, I have no doubt that if we're together, we'll eventually get there.

You are a blessing and it is an honor to be your wife.

I love you! And Happy 5th Anniversary!