Merry Wednesday sweet friends. Christmas is almost here and I have one more Christmas post to share…a very special one!
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:7
The Princesses and I extend a warm welcome to join us at the Sunshine Cottage for cookies and chocolate milk!
You might want to bring your dancing shoes.
The round table was dressed in tartans for a simple Princess Party party featuring cookies and chocolate milk. The Princesses were so excited to see all the color. Those girls love merry & bright!
Bakery shortbread cookies with a yummy icing (the oldest Princess aka the Queen is very fond of icing), candy canes, and Ghirardelli peppermint bark and chocolate caramels (which are favorites of the youngest Princess) were placed on Nanny’s (my mother) tiered tray. EM talks about Nanny often and speaks of her as if she knew her personally and spent time with her. It is proof of the wonderful impact and influence of our loved ones that the children never met or were too young to remember can have on them if we are willing to share their stories! You can be certain the Princesses will hear plenty of stories from PJ about Nanny and many more from Allison about their Popsie!
I found the darling salad plates at Hobby Lobby in four different designs. Of course, the nutcracker was chosen by Ella Mae for this special occasion!
There were only two cups left at Hobby Lobby, but fortunately one was the pink nutcracker. Renaissance Man and I had not had chocolate milk in years, but when the girls came along we started buying it for them. Naturally, we spoil them with treats, although we know you find this difficult to believe! We are also facing a tremendous struggle to not drink their chocolate milk and eat their treats. It might be my imagination but chocolate milk seems creamier and tastier than I remember!
Before we enjoyed the cookies and chocolate milk, the girls had to play. I keep toys behind the curtain and rotate them every few weeks! Their sweet Mommy joined us too! And Alli’s scarf matches the tablecloth. That was probably calculated since she is a math teacher!
It is hard to get a clear photo of Emma Kennedy. The girl is in constant motion. Emma insisted she have her chocolate milk in her usual non-breakable and spill proof container. She was not all that impressed with the fancy cups!
The other matching cup and plate depicts a gingerbread house. I hope to find the cups that go with the other two plates.
I think I see a chocolate milk mouth!
Emma loves sweets, especially chocolate! I think she takes after her PJ.
I can’t get over how grown-up our 4 1/2 year old Princess looks! In case you missed this past Sunday’s post, the girls shared a very important announcement!
The adorable blue-eyed Princess holds her own with her older sister! Is it the temperament that goes with red hair or maybe just the easy-going kindness of big sister that makes it work? There might be an occasional tense moment, but not too many.
EK loves to be on the floor playing but will not leave her drink behind! She may get that from her Da who is never without a cup!
A bit of sunshine on her shoulders in the Sunshine Cottage!
Last night EM and I had a slumber party in the cottage. We snuggled, read books, had snacks, and watched Mickey’s Christmas Carol. She is such a fun age and I want to enjoy every moment, even if it means sleeping on a blow up mattress on the floor! Today I am stiff and barely moving but Ella Mae seems unaffected.
If music is playing, the girls will be dancing, and they always want me to join them. Me joining the dance line is not necessarily a good idea. Not sure what this dance was called but at least the girls slowed long enough for a pic that is not too blurry. As the girls get a little older, we might enjoy a more formal tea party. But for now this fun party was perfect!
Thank you for your visits and gracious comments. May your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day be joy-filled!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Eat Dessert First Greece says
What a warm blog post! Happy holidays! 😍🎄🎄
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you and Merry Christmas
Eat Dessert First Greece says
Merry Christmas with health and happiness!
Rita C. says
I couldn’t love this more! You captured a beautiful photo of EK standing there with her cup! I’d say it’s the fire that keeps things level between she & her big sister, and it’ll be the fire that keeps her from getting lost as the middle child! Lol, I love you keeping it real about sleeping on an air mattress and being stiff. I bought those salad plates too – 4 of 1 kind (can you guess which one??). They are perfect for your tea with the girls. What a fun, new tradition. I love that EM can speak of her Nanny as though she knows her.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you so much Rita. I have been thinking about EK being the middle child, I think she will always make her presence known, she does have the fire. She is so sweet and cuddly, but nobody gets the best of her. The cottage has been a bright spot in this unusual year. Wishing you and Will a most joyous Christmas! ♥️
marmeladegypsy says
This makes me smile so big. I know we will have many fun moments with our “boys” but I’m not sure I see either of them enjoying a pretty tea! More like chocolate milk and cookies on the run — they love to run! It’s so pretty there and I love seeing those sweet, innocent and beautiful faces, along with the lovely set-up. That cottage is like magic, isn’t it, Pam? What a gift for you this year! Merriest of Christmases to you and all your family.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jeanie. The cottage was a wonderful gift for this year especially. Wishing you and Rick a Merry Christmas!
Alice Genzlinger says
Best post ever! The personality of EM and EK are delightful. And their dresses are so fun. I miss the children in our neighbor coming over, getting little treats and running out the door. Will this ever change! My heart breaks. You certainly have boodles of energy to change out the toys in the cottage and have special tea parties. And oh to have a slumber party there. I guess comfort had to go by the way for this nights rest. What memories you are leaving for them. Thank you for giving us this sweet treat. GOD BLESS🙏🏽
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Alice. I want to make memories for my girls and the little boy that will be here in May. You are a sweetheart and a wonderful encourager. Butch and I wish you and hubby a Merry Christmas ♥️
Nancy Sharp says
What beautiful memories you are making. Your granddaughters are precious.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Nancy. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Sandra at Maison De Jardin says
What a perfect party. I do love the salad plates and cups. You will probably be able to locate two more additional cups. Pam, the girls are so sweet. I know you don’t want to miss a moment with them. You are giving them memories that will last their lifetime. Wishing you all a most wonderful Christmas and many happy days in the Sunshine Cottage in the New Year!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you dear one. I love making memories ♥️
inspiredbyjoydianne says
Pam, I am so thankful you have the Sunshine Cottage. It is another opportunity for you to share special moments with the queen and princess and what memories you are making. Your DILove is so beautiful. I have said many prayers for this family. The new plates are beautiful, I love the dance, and love is all around. May all of you have a blessed Christmas. Love you my friend.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Blessings, love, and Merry Christmas my sweet friend ❤️
Liz says
Oh how fun! I can only imagine how excited they were to be there. It’s like a giant doll house for them! Those are real cute dishes. I can always check my local Hobby Lobby for those cups!
Wishing you a blessed and Merry Christmas!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you so much Liz. It is a giant doll house for them and an adult playhouse for me! Thank you for checking your HL Liz and Merry, Merry Christmas!
Sandra @ Dinner at Eight says
Adorable! Have a very merry Christmas!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you and Merry Christmas, Sandra!
Sandra Magle says
Now we really know why you built such a gorgeous cottage. Such great memories will be made there…loving all your photos and those adorable dresses on your sweet girls. Have Happy Holidays, you are so lucky to be able to see your grands, sigh. We just can’t here in Chicagoland. Hugs, Sandi
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you, Sandi. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors says
Oh Pam, you have to be the best grandmother around! Those precious girls are so blessed! The tea party looks like so such much fun, and nothing is better than cookies and chocolate milk. I love the pretty Christmas dishes you found. Sunshine Cottage is just gorgeous and brimming with so much cheer and happiness. Thanks for inviting us in and sharing this special time. Merry Christmas, my sweet friend!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you sweet friend. Wishing you the Merriest Christmas and blessings!
Marion says
Pam your grand children are beautiful and adorable. Love their dresses. Everything is so lovely especially the Nutcrackers.
Happy Holidays MERRY CHRISTMAS and A Wonderful,Healthy 2021.
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you sweet ladies. Merry Christmas to you all!
Maristella says
What precious time with your adorable Grands! Such beauty and happiness!Merry Christmas,dear friends!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Merry Christmas, Maristella!
lulu says
The girls had to love this! How wonderful that the cottage can be a playhouse for you and them. I absolutely love learning of the slumber party. No matter how stiff you are, it is a shared memory that Ella Mae will not forget. You are a wonder!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Linda. I want to make memories with my littles!
Edith (Penny) Weldon says
We all so adore these sweet Holiday festivities that you so lovingly share with us😍🎄Such golden memories being made by all⭐️How magical your sweet times are by being together💞Our two granddaughters (ages 10 & 13) & I so enjoy our tea parties too😉Merry Christmas 🎅🏼🤶🏻🎄🎁🎶⭐️
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Penny, I know you enjoy your darling granddaughters. Thank you and Merry Christmas ✨✨♥️
Nancy says
How sweet for you and the Princesses! Memories are being made in the Sunshine cottage!
I use to have tea by the Christmas tree with my boys. This brings back so many lovely memories for me.
Merry Thursday my friend!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you my friend and Merry Christmas!
Sharon says
What a wonderful post! What a joyful day! I think you are the best grandmother around!! Thank you for sharing your great day with us, Pam. Merry Christmas!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Sharon, thank you for your sweet comments. Merry Christmas!
Mary says
Pam, This post is just adorable and filled with so much Christmas cheer! Your grand girls are a delight and at such a fun age right now. I know you’re creating memories that they will look back on and cherish and wonder why everyone didn’t have a ‘Sunshine Cottage’ to play, sleep and have tea parties in! I love your plates and tartan touches! Merry Christmas to All and congrats on your news. ♥
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Mary. It has been so much fun and hope to make lots more memories. Merry Christmas!
the Painted Apron says
How adorable Pam, and what could be better for little princesses than a tea party with chocolate milk and sweets! Look at all the memories you have already made with the girls in the Sunshine Cottage! I love that EM talks about her Nanny, so sweet! I know you will have a very special Christmas with thankful prayers for your new blessing to come! Merry Christmas to your family,
Jenna
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jenna! We have had lots of fun in the Sunshine Cottage. Merry Christmas Eve!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
What a memorable way to enjoy the cottage, the girls look so cute in the dresses.
Clara says
Loved this sweet post Pam. The girls are so cute in their boots, tights and dresses. The dishes are just perfect for a milk and cookies party. The girls will remember the slumber parties and treat parties for years to come. I have such wonderful memories of my grandmother. We had such fun in my playhouse (it wasn’t nearly as nice as The Sunshine Cottage) and they’re still with me. Glad your Mom is remembered as well. Carrying on family traditions is so important. Merry Christmas sweet friend ❣️ Clara
Cheryl says
Such a heartwarming post! Those girls and their mama are just beautiful. It is so wonderful that you were able to enjoy the slumber party and the little cookies and milk party. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you!
Tea With Jennifer says
A delightful post worthy of being turned into a story book for all little princesses to read Pam!
Merry Christmas sweet friend,
Jennifer
Nancy Ruegg says
Can’t wait until we can enjoy tea parties, sleepovers and such with our granddaughters–like the good old days of 2019! 🙂 You’ve inspired me, Pam, to find some pretty dishes and decorations to create a special occasion for them, as you have done for your precious girls. Thank you!
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
What a lovely time with your princesses! And I love your beautiful table and decorations. That’s so true about feeling like you know someone, even if you’ve never met. It’s wonderful that you keep those memories alive! Here’s to a happy new year!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you dearest Barbara for your lovely comments!
Sarah says
Pam, what precious, beautiful little girls. How fun to have a tea party with these little. I had hoped to do the same with my little great nieces, but scheduling didn’t work out. We ended up going out for a quick lunch.
The treats on your mom’s tiered tray look delicious, and the sentiment of using it, sharing stories with the girls is as you say, very important.
I was lucky enough to snag one of the white stag plates in this set at Hobby Lobby. I was late discovering them, and only one plate was left. I’m looking for another if you happen to see any at your Hobby Lobby. I shared it in my current post.
Thanks for this lovely post. Happy Holidays!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Sarah. Wishing you a wonderful new year!
barefootlilylady says
Gracious! What a blessing the Sunshine Cottage has been to you and your family. I pray 2021 will bring many more blessed memories! Happy New Year!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Cindie…Happy New Year!