Christmas morning was sweet and slow paced at our house. Tessa slept late and then snuggled in bed with us. We probably won't get that luxury again next year. When we finally did get up, she looked over the balcony and said "Presents, look at all the presents!" I just treasured the look of wonder on her little face.
Tessa opened her stocking while I made breakfast casserole. We video called Ryan's parents so they could see her open presents too. When she opened the new princess play tent it literally took up the whole office. The package says it's big enough for six little girls and I believe it. Tessa promptly moved all of her dolls inside and started playing.
My parents came over around lunchtime and my grandma came later that afternoon. We opened presents slowly so it ended up taking most of the day. I loved how Tessa played with each toy before moving on to the next present. We saved the
Big One from my parents for the very last. Her very own Cinderella Castle. It looks just like the castle at Disney World and it comes stocked with every princess, prince, horse, carriage, furniture and more. She LOVED it.
It had started snowing earlier in the afternoon and by the time we sat down to dinner there was serious accumulation. My first ever white Christmas. Tessa played and watched a movie while we feasted on prime rib. Just as we were finishing up, my phone rang. Someone needed emergency surgery on Christmas day, sigh. Aside from the working part, it was a wonderful holiday with my loved ones. Merry Christmas!
My mom has been coming to this hotel for her entire life, first with her grandparents, then her children (can you see me?), and now with her grandbaby. Look at how nothing changes but the cars.
The hotel is beautifully decorated for the holidays. We wandered around looking at all the Christmas trees before relaxing with a drink from the bar.
At Christmastime they host a gingerbread decorating contest. Some of these were done by kids! My personal favorite is the Faberge egg, but Santa at the spa with tiny cucumbers on his eyes was a close second. Who thinks of these things?
The Blue Ridge Mountains are breathtaking from the back porch. Ryan, Mr. Never Stand Still, actually requested that we just sit and enjoy the view.
One of the fireplaces was set up as a photo-op spot. Music to my ears. Everyone hopped in the sleigh for pictures. My favorite is Tessa riding the reindeer. 
While we had planned to shop in Asheville, there was so much to do here that we never even left the resort. Happy New Years! 
We really did have a White Christmas, the snow was beautiful. The day after Christmas, the three of us bundled up and headed outside to play. We made a snowman and Tessa announced he should go on the deck. So Daddy carted the heavy snow up the stairs and we parked our snowman where we could see him from the kitchen. Since he looked lonely, we made a snow dog too. 
Our snow dog went crazy chasing snowballs. Puppy's got ups! Oh the happy sounds of my daughter and husband laughing while the snow was flying. 
In keeping with tradition, our Christmas Eve celebration was based on the customs of another country. This year that country was Israel, the birthplace of our Lord and Savior.
G&G did a beautiful job decorating their house all in blue. We mixed in many Hanukkah traditions, including a menorah and a Hanukkah bush. The food was absolutely delicious - lamb and latkes, sufganiot and Sabra and so much more. Even the wine was kosher! Jewish people are known for ordering Chinese food on Christmas so we had some of that too.
Jewish books, games and scarves made for fun presents.
My little "Jewish" American Princess received a Disney Girl doll who came with a completely stocked wardrobe and pony! Oh how we love the princesses!
A Very Merry Christmas Eve!
This is the first major production that Tessa has attended. We weren't sure our three year old would actually sit still for two hours but she was captivated. How could she not be with the beautifully dressed princesses, a huge castle, fireworks, music and even Mickey and Minnie Mouse?
Cinderella was the final and most spectacular princess. The show was absolutely wonderful. As a practice run for our Disney trip, this experience was a total success.
And of course, our little princess had to be dressed for the occasion. Tessa wore her fancy Aurora gown and she looked beautiful. I sported my own Sleeping Beauty crown because, let's face it, I'll seize any opportunity to wear a crown. Thank you G&G for celebrating with us and providing the princess wardrobe.
The fact that the Princesses came to town on Tessa's adoption day made it all the more special. Here she is opening one of her presents from G&G - a singing Cinderella doll. Happy Family Day!
After dinner, Santa made his grand entrance. As you can see, Tessa actually sat on his lap this year. I don't think she understands the concept that Santa's main purpose is to give her gifts. After our last Santa/princess episode (see below) I made sure to have something princessy for Tessa to open.
Of course, a book was no match for the cool Rapunzel doll that her friend 
The next day we followed the Mississippi River to plantation country. Oak Alley was breathtaking. It has the well deserved nickname of Grande Dame of River Road. The trees are 300+ years old and the house is over 200 years old.
We wandered the grounds, played in the trees, toured the house and chatted with the tourguides. I love the Cajun accent. The house was beautifully restored by a Texas lady who, at one point, let her cattle graze on the front lawn. I love it. Tessa was so good during the house tour that we went to the cafe for a treat. The house specialty is a Mint Julep made with the plantation's own sugar cane. I had two. What can I say? It was hot and they tasted so good.
