Holiday Magic

It was a pretty magical morning here on Sunday,

when we celebrated Ryleigh's birthday 

with a Christmas-themed party. 

The kiddos got to work decorating their own gingerbread cookies,

then a very special visitor popped in to join the fun.

"His eyes - how they twinkled!

His dimples: how merry.

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,"

and he even jingled when he walked...

which he did complete with his own Santa walking stick.

Every single child was in awe as he headed over to his chair.

He read "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

to his audience,

then invited them up one by one to sit on his knee.

The care and attention he gave to everyone 

made it all the more special.

What a sweet moment!

We took pictures of each kiddo on Santa's lap

and then created ornaments with the photos 

for them to hang on their Christmas trees. 

Then, Santa joined the party guests 

as they sang "Happy Birthday" to Ryleigh

and enjoyed hot cocoa, snowman cookies 

and Christmas cupcakes. 

As he was leaving,

Ryleigh raced after him to ask where his reindeer were.

He assured her they were resting up at the North Pole

but that they'd be visiting her very soon, 

on Christmas Eve.

It was such a sweet moment for our birthday girl!

Afterwards, the kids all played together in the playroom. 

What a magical morning for our almost 4 year old.