Kicking Off Christmas 2015

While getting a tree out of the Costco semi isn't quite as nostalgic as chopping it down ourselves, as we did for so many years, it's quick and a lot less expensive.  So for now, it's tradition. ;)

I made myself put the camera down during decorating, so I could actually be present, and not just from the other side of the lens.  It was really refreshing to just join my kids in decorating, rather than just snap pictures.  I'm trying to do more of that these days. Here's the finished product!

More tradition....the kids each picked out a new ornament to add to their collections! It's always interesting to see what they pick. ;)

Norah's

Caleb's

Shane's

Meredith's

View from the kitchen...

More tradition...after we decorate the tree, we drink hot chocolate and watch The Very First Noel. 

Last year we also started the tradition of watching our town's Electric Parade.  I do not like being out in the cold, but it's worth it.  The kids have so much fun, the floats are impressive, and it's always special to be a part of something that is a big deal to our community!

Big 2 staying warm before it starts.

 Some of the floats...

Hard to see, but there is smoke coming out of the tree and the blue is "water" putting it out.  This was one of the STC Fire Dept's floats, with a reminded to keep out trees watered so as to prevent a fire hazard!  The FD never disappoints with their floats!

And of course, the fire truck all decked out!

This guy was amazing...he moved his head and tail, and smoke came out of his mouth!

Our church's float!

Warming up after the parade with some hot chocolate from our favorite local coffee shop, Arcedium!

This really is the most wonderful time of the year!  I'm so excited to spend these next few weeks preparing and anticipating and celebrating God's wonderful gift to us in His Son.

First Snow!

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Ready for the barn dance!

I was out of an oven for 2 weeks....we finally got the new one delivered and it didn't fit! 

After a couple of days on the hunt for someone to come cut/sand the granite countertops and sides of cabinets, it finally slid in!

Turkey craft!

 The kids were playing "travel to New York and live in an apartment."  They brought a bunch of stuff from their rooms down to the living/dining rooms and set up their home. :)

A little before-school playdough!

 This girl loves her games...notice the "shine" behind me?  It's officially fire season!

 Good friends came over for dinner with their 4 kids, plus their little Safe Families boy, who is the little brother to our sweet Safe Families girl. 10 kids = a party!

 Looking through last year's Shutterfly book...

 It's hard to tell, but she was crying because she couldn't get the goggles to stay on.

 Snuggle time, watching a show...

 A little friendly game of War...

 These big kids like to make their own PB&J sandwiches...

 

 A little pre-bedtime wrestling...

 Despite her smiles, this little one woke up at 3:30 am today with an upset tummy and several rounds of that tummy proving its upsetness.

Barn Dance 2015

Annual Barn Dance pic!

Previous years...

2014

2013

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 Our oven has been out of commission for the past week.  A new one is being delivered next Wednesday.  In the meantime, I've been prepping meals in other ways.  Fortunately, the weather this week has been warm - great for grilling!  Unfortunately, it's now getting dark by 5 pm - not great for grilling!

 

 September's Staff Appreciation thing...Donuts and Cider...I love this "job"!

 

Family project...

 

 Twins, 3 years apart.

 

Rainy walks to the bus stop...

 This is how child #3 eats green beans.

 S'mores when Nana/Papa were in town a few weeks back...

 Mini-Momma....she's carrying her baby in the tool of her dress.

 Ice Cream at chik-fil-a...

 Helping with leaf removal...

 Oldest and Youngest.

 Ugh.  On my way to the city this week to pick up sweet A who we will be caring for over the next couple of months, I got a flat. 

 While this was not a fun, nor convenient experience, it made me realize how thankful I am for so many things.  First of all, that we have free roadside assistance.  Also, that I have a friend who will drive to my house with all 4 of her own kids to be there for when my big kids get home from school because now I am running waaaaayyy behind...I was supposed to be in the city 1.5 hours ago!  I'm super thankful that I have a husband who is gracious and didn't get upset with me even though I clipped a curb and busted the tire. And in the immediate moment, I was thankful that the side of the road included a big field with lots of sticks to keep these lovies entertained.

 Speaking of that sweet A...

 A little roller blading/skating around the neighborhood...

 Cupcakes!

Today, we meandered around Costco for 1.5 hours while the guys put new tires on the van.  Caleb was home sick so he got to tag along.  Lucky him.  But look at these teddies!  Everything really is bigger at Costco!