Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Have I mentioned how much Makenna loves being outside?  Ok, but did I mention she'll do it in any temperature!?!?!?  32 DEGREES on Sunday morning!  I had to bundle up more than she did.  She kept the gloves on this time, but not the hat.  She ran and ran and ran until her little nose was so red I made her come in.

Snow pics

Video below, but here are a few pics in the snow.

She left the jacket on, but threw off the hat.

SNOWWWW!

Yes, it is true, we had a bit of snow in El Paso. Just a bit. It stuck around until the next day and has been pretty cold - but it's all gone now. Makenna had a BLAST running around in the snow. She wouldn't leave her hat or gloves on - so it ended pretty quick.

My two favorite people!

This photo from Christmas morning deserves it's own post!  I just love it.

Christmas Morning

SANTA CAME!!!!!!!

Stocking!

Blowing bubbles with Papa.

A big red wagon from Santa!!!

Elmo microphone.  Genius.

Giving ninja kisses to Buddy.

Christmas Eve, Murphy style

We drove out to Burbank the Wednesday before Christmas.  Our strategy last year was to leave at 2am to get Makenna a few hours of sleep in the car - it got us almost to Phoenix last year.  This year....we tried the same strategy and it backfired.  We got her up at 2am and hit the road.  She didn't fall asleep until 4am, and then woke up when we stopped for gas at 5am.  Darn it!  She took a 45 minute nap later, but that was it for the whole 13 hour trip.  We hit big rains on I-10 near Palm Springs, but made it to Burbank.  Makenna had a minor meltdown when we got there.  Who can blame her?!?!

We took a few days to get rested and help with Christmas preparations, shopping, and last minute gift-wrapping.  Christmas Eve was a big hit.  Ken and I did the prime rib and mashed potatoes and everyone had a great time.  Makenna had the BEST time, I think.  She got a cool basketball hoop that didn't quite fit in the car on the way home, so hopefully it will make it out here soon!

Up in the bedroom getting ready for the big night.

Opening one of many cool gifts!

Sara and Aunt Linda

Aunt Leslie and Uncle Dave.

After Makenna opened all of her own gifts, she helped everyone else. 

Oh boy, the hit of the night - a basketball hoop!!!

"Hey guys, I'll get the pieces out and you can put it together!"

Is this how you do it?

She could have played alllllll night.  Look at that smile!

DJ, lift me up again!

Ken, Mak, and I exchange new jammies on Christmas eve.  A little drum marching practice here.

Makenna was only shy for about 5 minutes when everyone arrived.  Then, she was best buds with any and all Murphys.  Here she is with Sara.

Pre-Christmas practice

We weren't sure if Makenna would be into "opening" gifts yet this year.  Rumor has it that her Papa was a dainty little gift-opener and Christmas morning took FOR.EV.ER. Makenna had nooooo problem with opening.  We got a package early from Grandma Barb, so we took a little practice run.

The aftermath.

"Pants on da ground"

Makenna has a new trick.  Completely stripping nekkid.  Shirt, pants, and diaper.  Here's the beginning of the process.  Sigh.  It *could* be a first step to potty-training (she mainly takes the diaper off when it's wet) - but I'm not getting my hopes up.

The outdoorsy type

This is nothing this kid loves more than to be outside.  NOTHING.  She tools in the garage with Ken for hours.  Hangs out near him as he does yardwork.  Chases Ollie.  Picks up sticks, pinecones, dirt.  Here's the happy camper!

More videos!

Ok, I think the quality of these videos will be a little better!