Lisa: snow beast

Pop-Pop and I took Nora out sledding on the snowy streets around the farmhouse. I like that this has the makings of a Christmas tradition.

Lisa: presents

Clearly I need to get my act together and take some photos on Christmas Day, not least because then I wouldn't be appearing in the photos, looking like a tipsy Russian grandmother.

Lisa: Christmas Eve with the Smiths

Chad gave Nora the tutu and matching headband, and the adorable horse and cowboy hat were from Kurt and Jone. Grandma'am and Grandsir gave Nora the musical instruments. Thanks so much, you guys!

Lisa: Christmas Photos

This year my friend (and very talented photographer) Mallory took Nora's annual Christmas photos. It was so freezing in Sugarhouse Park, but Mallory and Nora were both very good sports.

Here's Mallory's flickr stream if you want to see some of her work.

Lisa: winter sports

My dad had the awesome idea of pulling Nora around their property in a sled. She loved it, even when one too-sharp turn spilled her out onto the road. She just got right back in the sled and started chanting, "fast, fast!"

Lisa: pegged

Nora quickly put her new table to good use: becoming a genius.

Lisa: Christmas Day

Here's Nora, bumming around at home while we threw the last few items in our suitcases. Since we almost crashed on our way to Spring City, this might have been the last picture of Nora, ever. Do I even have to say how glad I am that it wasn't?

Sarah gave Nora this adorable tutu. The vest is also from Sarah, actually. What a good aunt, right?

The table and chairs are from my parents. Unfortunately, they made Nora grow up about four months in five minutes...but she loves them.

Lisa: Christmas Eve

Lisa: a Christmas miracle

Grandma brought over gingerbread cookies, and Nora was actually allowed to eat them!

Well, "allowed" might be a little strong. I'm sure if Dad had anything to do with it, those cookies would never have seen the light of day. Nora loved them, though.

Lisa: Christmas photos

This year we had another friend take Nora's Christmas pictures--Lacey Pappas, who took Dave and Angie's engagement and bridal photos.

Check out the whole shoot on Lacey's Flickr stream, here. There were so many adorable ones of Nora for us to choose from. Thank you, Lacey!

Lisa: Christmas Portraits

I didn't want to spoil the surprise for those of you who got pictures of Nora for Christmas, but here's the whole set of proofs, taken by my friend Preston.

Lisa: Christmas at the Smiths

Lisa: Anderson Christmas Party

Lisa: Sybrowsky Christmas Party