OH Christmas Tree

I am not sure that this year's tree has been our best Christmas tree ever. I somehow broke the tree topper sometime between packing it up last year and unpacking it this year. I did find a new one this years tree but on the 23rd. It has started to dry out and I am getting nervous lighting it up, so as of December 29th.....Goodbye 2008 tree!!

Christmas Eve when Santa was finished. We asked him to snap a photo for us!

Our Snow Angel

We took a few trips outside during the snow blast we've had in the last week in a half. Avery loves the snow and especially making snow angels. She would hop around and then lay down and make a snow angel. She climbed into Papa's truck and made one. She made like 20. We threw snow at each other and had lots of fun.

Avery is showing me all the snow on her gloves and trying to wipe it or shake off the snow.

Avery was being silly....she made a snow angel and then starting to throw snow balls at me.

Avery making a snow angel

close-up snow angel

A Mama snow angel and big sister snow angel

We love the snow, but 10 days of it gets old. We were able to get out and about a little bit, but so many others housebound. Hope this brings some smiles your way!! We DID have a white Christmas this year which was cool!!

First Snow!!

On Sunday morning, I bundled the girls up to head outside to play in the snow. It was REALLY cold. We stayed outside for about 15 minutes. Avery was upset about our short playtime but she complained that she was too cold. Natale was so curious about the snow and she even tasted it!!
Avery testing the snow on the ground

and making a snow Angel

Natale took a nose dive and didn't complain

Natale wondering "what is this stuff?"

The girls posing for Mama!

Happy 1st snowfall! Lots more snow to come!

A Special Drive

The first snowfall started falling on Saturday afternoon. After dinner we all bundled up and climbed into Papa's truck with warm hot chocolate. We headed out to look at Christmas lights in the falling snow. It was great. We listened to holiday music and just enjoyed all the pretty light displays. We even found a vacant cul-de-sac to do some donuts in the snow. Mama and Papa loved it. Natale slept through it but Avery wasn't too sure. We had so much fun and this will also be something we do every year.
Tried to get a family picture.

One of the many big light displays we came across. It snowed about 4 inches that night.

Making Christmas cookies with GG

On Thursday December 11th, we spent the day with GG, Auntie Krissy and Danielle making holiday cookies. We made sugar cookies, thumb print cookies, almond roca, peanut butter kiss cookies, and fudge. We spent a lot of the morning rolling the batter out and cutting out cookies. The girls had lots of fun pouring ingredients into the mixer, rolling out the dough and cutting the cookies. We spent a few hours frosting and decorating. The girls LOVED this part and made a few masterpieces. We will definitely make this a family tradition to do every year!!

Avery in her cute gingerbread apron and hat. She was helping GG stir the frosting.
Using the kids rolling pin

Cutting cookies shapes out with Danielle

Natale watching the activities from her high chair. She was entertained very well and loved when the girls would come by and say HI

The grown-ups doing the rest of the cookie decorating
Thanks Mom!! We had a great day and we can't wait for next year!!

Santa's Lap

We arrived at Alderwood Mall at about 10 am. I found out while I got in line Santa starts taking pictures at 10 am. We got in line and waited....and waited and finally Santa!! Avery ran right to Santa. Natale didn't smile, but she was very interested in him. Avery shared with Santa she wanted a Barbie and a horse. She took her coloring book with pride and we headed to the cashier. As I took my receipt I looked down at my phone and it was 11:30. The girls did great and thank God for other children in line helping to distract my kids during the wait.

Christmas Tree Hunting!

On Saturday morning, Joe got up to researched local Christmas tree farms. We headed toward Monroe and stopped to have breakfast. After our favorite breakfast in town, we headed to a tree farm. The first farm was the "chosen one", but they were rude....long story. So we followed another set of signs and found the tree farm. We got out and bundled the girls. We looked around for about 15 minutes and finally found it.....the Prince Family Christmas Tree!! Joe was more prepared this year with his saw. Joe hauled the tree to the truck and we went to pay. We enjoyed some cookies and cider and looked at some handmade crafts. It was really nice family run tree farm and maybe we will go back!!

Looking through the tree farm

Natale and Mama looking for the perfect tree

Chopping down the tree

TIMBERRRRR!!!

Our 2008 Christmas tree!!