OK, We're Ready!

We've been putting the final touches on our holiday preparations around here. We are excited for Christmas this year because we get to see so many of YOU!

We finished one last, mad decorating spree at Nana's house. The tree is up and looking magical, and the house is now finally festive enough for the Hoopes & Santa to arrive!

Tess also helped Papa pick out his Christmas tie this year. Tess has a good deal of expertise in this area, since she advises Ryan on what tie to wear to work each day. She has definite opinions when it comes to men's fashion.

Looks like Papa will be wearing the "Pizza Throw-Up" Tie this year.

Practicing "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells..."

Tess has been catching up with some of the friends she'll be seeing for Christmas. She had a Skype "playdate" with Lauren. They spent 40 mins showing each other their Christmas decorations and toys. They are going to have a blast when they get to see each other again in person!

Tess LOVES Ryan & Miranda's video of their kitty cat Sushi. She can't wait to meet Sushi (wait, you guys are planning on bringing Sushi, aren't you?!!!). Kidding, kidding. Although she would be a big hit!

We're just biding our time until the Christmas fun begins!

One Year for One More Week

This is the last week that our baby girl will be 1 year old! Her personality, charm, humor and intelligence belie the brief 2 years of experience she's had on this earth.

Tess wore her Christmas dress to church today. It is a sweet, silk dress that was sent to her by Aunt Laura. It was Brookie's Christmas dress years ago (and for all I know, Kate's Christmas dress many, many years ago!).

This is the face she pulls when I ask her to say "Cheese!" for the camera.

Tess, the Monkey and our Precious Potpie!

S.N.O.W!

So our new camera arrived and we're starting to get back into the swing of Blogging things. I'm still figuring out all the settings and what works best, but I think the camera will work well for our needs. We purchased it with Christmas money from Dipsy & Papa, so THANKS grandparents!

Conveniently enough, shortly after the camera arrived, so did a wintry storm. The snow was a welcome change from all the rain we've had lately! Tess learned about "mittens" and she was excited to try them out.

Hanging around with Mom.

Disclaimer: Filming while stopped at a very long light--do not try this at home.

Hanging out with Dad.

Deck the Halls

Tess & I spent the morning helping Nana & Papa decorate their house for Christmas. Whenever Tess is impressed with something, she says, "Oooooo!" She said this a lot as we got out all of Nana's pretty things for the holidays.

Nana also showed Tess this digital Christmas card, which Tess watched over and over again. Since we've been home, she's watched it over and over and over again. She loves pointing out Santa in the sky, the stars, the snow and the puppy. She claps when it finishes and then says, "More Santa!