Hunting for the Perfect Christmas Tree

The girls were very excited to get a tree from the forest this year.  Hailey doesn't really remember doing it in past years, but couldn't wait to find the perfect one.

We took of for Lolo after church on Sunday.  The girls ate their lunch in the car on the way out.  Within minutes of reaching Lolo they started asking if we were there yet....where is the forest?  We found and area to do some tree hunting and pulled over.  Time to get the girls dress for the weather....it was 15 degrees. 

 Sydney getting ready....lots of layers.

 This lucky girl got a ride!

 Hailey carried the saw, but only for a few minutes until it go TOO heavy.

 Hiking up the hill looking for the perfect tree.

 This one looks pretty good...lets shake it off and see.

 Then it was Hailey's turn.

 A little snow in the face after that shake.

And Sydney's too!

 The girls enjoying the great outdoors.

 Our girls.

 Then we found it...the "just right" tree.  Hailey wanted to help Daddy cut it down.  She was pretty concerned about it falling on us.

Sydney taking it all in.

Here it is...our tree.

And then tagging it.

 Back down the hill we go......

 

Me and the girls with our tree.

We had a great time and the girls were real troopers considering the weather and the hiking (we were in pretty steep country).  They are proud of their tree and can't wait to decorate it.

Ugly Sweater Party

It's been a while (3 years actually) since we've had an Ugly Sweater Party at our house.  We talked about doing it last year, but it just didn't make it on the calendar.  This year....we planned it!   Next decision...kids or NO kids.  Well, since everyone we know has kids, it was only fitting to invite the whole family.  So, it was set....a party on December 8th with all our friends and their family.

2012 Ugly Sweater Party-  17 adults and 17 kids....now that's a group!

2009 Ugly Sweater Party....Hailey was 16 months old.

 Sydney sporting her teddy bear jacket.  Same one Hailey wore at the last party.

 Hailey and her ugly sweater...although she insisted it wasn't ugly.

 Daddy and Hailey being silly.

 That's better!

 Parties are all about the food.

 Going up for more...lets see, what do it want this time!

Me and my girls!

 Our family 2012.  Hailey 4 years and Sydney 2 years.

Our family 2009.  Hailey 16 months.

We had a great time visiting with good friends.  Thanks to all who were able to make it.  We'll have to do it again next year....and I need to get a new sweater this time!

A Visit with Santa

It's that time of year again....time to visit Santa.  You never know how this is going to go from year to year, but it's always a good time regardless.  Hailey of course was super excited and Sydney said she was until we got there.  Hailey immediately climbed on Santa's lap and talked about wanting an art set for Christmas.  Sydney was set on Santa's lap (against her will).  Even though Sydney wasn't happy about sitting on his lap, she stayed put without crawling off.

 Hailey telling Santa she wants an art set for Christmas....one of her very own that Mommy can't tell her what to use.

 Hailey and St. Nick

 Getting some Santa LOVE.

 The real reason Hailey likes to talk to Santa....candy canes.

 The girls with Santa.

 Hold on Sydney, it's almost done!  When she was sitting on Santa's lap she wouldn't tell him what she wanted, but as soon as she got off she said, "WAFFLES."

 Our family with Santa.

We had a great visit with Santa this year.  He really took his time with both girls and talked with them a lot.  He made sure to tell them to leave out cookies and.....Diet Coke. 

 This is the photo that was taken with Santa for charity.  The funds are going to send a Veteran to D.C.  For some reason Sydney was okay with this Santa....who knows.  No tears, but he did have to hold her hands down away from her face. 

Merry Christmas to all.....and to all a GOOD NIGHT!

Gettig into the Christmas Spirit

I love Christmas and I hope my children grow up loving all the traditions as well.  As always we set up the tree and put up all the decorations the weekend of Thanksgiving.  The whole family set up the tree, Daddy and Hailey put up the outside lights, and Mommy put up the Christmas village. Plus....the elves came out to keep a close eye of the kiddos.

 Hailey helping Dad put up the branches of the tree.

 Sydney putting the ornaments up very carefully...just right.

 Such a big helper.

 Hailey picking out which ornaments she wants to hang up.

Hailey hanging her ornaments.

 Sydney being so patient...waiting to get permission to eat the broken candy cane.

 Always a favorite...hanging the candy canes.

 Sydney got to do the honors of putting the angle up.  Hailey has always done it in the past.  However, after several failed attempts neither girl got it to stay up...so Daddy had to do it.