Christmas Trees

One Saturday, we headed out to get our Christmas tree. We make it an annual tradition to compare the trees at Lowes Hardware and Home Depot. And then buy it with a coupon. 

That just screams Christmas Spirit, doesn't it?

Emily enjoyed prancing around in the tree skirt while we were decorating the tree. Typical Emily!

Sarah loved hanging on the ornaments... in the exact same spot!

Of course with 2 girls, we had to put the start on top... twice!

TA DA!

I also put a artificial tree upstairs tree too. 

This one was the "tacky' tree with the kids' ornaments and a string of lights that only had half the lights working. It was pathetic.

My goal is actually post about Christmas Day before Valentine's day! :)

Emily's Christmas Program

Emily has music class once a week during preschool. They have been working on a lot of Christmas songs and the school had a really cute program for all the parents. 

 

Emily loves going to Preschool. It has been nice watching her make new friends and enjoying her teachers. However it has been strange for me to realize that she has a life away from me. She is learning so many new things. She has always been by my side and is definitely a momma's girl, so it is nice to see her gain some independence and confidence.

Christmas Fun

I love doing fun things around town to get ready for Christmas.

Here is a list of some of our favorite activities:

We had dinner with the Santa cow at ChickFilA

 The gym we go to is in a neighborhood and they had open house of all the houses for sale one Saturday. The girls loved riding the shuttle to each house and getting treats at every house. They also got to talk with Santa at the gym and make some crafts in the kids' room. Then we headed outside for the tree lighting and Emily wanted to sit on Santa's lap again to review everything she wanted with him!

We also went to a Downtown Open House one night. Our town closes down Main Street and all the stores open up and have treats and etc. We found a nice live nativity at the of street that the girls really enjoyed. Then we watched as they lit the Christmas tree downtown.

Every year we also enjoy a  Christmas light show nearby. It is in front of 2 houses and the lights are synchronized to music. Unfortunately Santa was not there the night we went, but the girls still enjoyed the show.

Family Pictures

Family pictures is not usually a fun time for us, however this year turned out to be better experience than previous years.  We always just take them in the backyard...with a tripod and self timer. We did have a number of meltdowns from a sassy 5 year old in between pictures, but she put on a smile when needed.

 The Girls!

Emily Jordan, 5 yrs old

Sarah Elizabeth, 3 yrs old

Abigal Kate, 8 months

I like this one of Abby and I just hanging out while Andy set up the camera.

Thanksgiving/Birthday/Baby Blessing

We had a very busy and fun Thanksgiving weekend. First, we spent Thanksgiving Day with Andy's family at his sister's house. Here is a picture of most of the gang... don't you love the cousins punching each other in the bottom of the picture... can't you feel the love??!

We got to meet Sutton, Andy's sister's new baby boy!

 The girls also met Izzy... Sharon's Great Dane. Seriously, he is the bigesst dog ever and the girls loved him!

Thanksgiving was also my birthday.

I tried to get a picture of me and the girls opening my present, however only Abby cooperated!

Nothing better than taking over your Aunt's bed for a movie to end the evening!

The next day we went to my dad's house for Thanksgiving with him. 

However we did make a stop at Ikea on the way to his house. Andy had never been to one before. Amazingly, we made it out of there without spending too much money!

The girls were excited to see Layni and hung out in the basement forming a "Rock Band"

The next day was a beautiful day, so we spent some time outside.

Abby, of course, gots lots of attention!

Then we went back to Sharon's house Saturday night, so we could be there for the baby blessing Sunday morning. We are so happy to have this sweet little boy in the family. Can't wait to see him and Abby together as they get older.

And then we made it home, finally, but it was great to spend Thanksgiving with those you love!