Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Last year, when we visited the Christmas tree farm we let the boys choose the tree and this year we did the same. We decorate this tree with ornaments that the kids have made over the years either in school or the ones we make together. With that said, it would only be fitting that the kids would decorate this tree themselves too. I know the idea sounds a little crazy but they really enjoy doing it all by themselves. As I pulled out the container of all the handmade ornaments the boys ran over ready to decorate. First I pulled out the lights, to which the boys asked to be wrapped in lights, hence the light all around. Then they were off to decorating. My personal favorite ornament is from the year that Holden had stitches on his eye, thinking about it just makes me laugh. However, the boys choices for favorites were a little different. Rylan loved the bells, his angel, and his very own picture too. While Holden loved both of his baby Jesus ornaments and the bright new shiny star. Now this tree does not have as much character as last years Charlie Brown tree but it is still loved just as much. Especially with all the ornaments made with love.

Another Christmas Tradition

Another Christmas tradition we started last year was Big Tree Plantation. This Christmas tree farm is the best! Unlike last year, it was not snowing, which secretly I missed, but it was still picture perfect. The boys saw the reindeer, donkeys, and Santa Claus too! After all this excitement we headed off to the field to pick the perfect tree. We decided to let the boys pick any tree. Well, last year this did not take long but this year they searched and searched and finally after 45 minutes they found their perfect tree! A real beauty! We let Kevin do the honors of cutting the tree down and the boys yelled "TIMBER!" As if we a had a tree that was going to shake the entire field when it fell! These two! We loaded up this jewel and pulled it back to the car. Not without lots of laughs and tons of hot chocolate in the barn.Day 3 of our countdown and another Christmas tradition that I personally have been looking forward to for months, Big Tree Plantation Christmas Tree Farm. Now that we have our tree at home, we will see if it lives up to last years Charlie Brown tree legacy when it is decorated.

Christmas Parade

Day two of our countdown until Christmas. Today's activity was to attend the Christmas parade. The boys loved this parade last year and this year was just the same. The downtown was all a glow and snowing with lights. There were Animals, a live Nativity Scene, Train rides, Horse and Carriage rides, Crafts, Sing-Alongs at the library, Ice Sculptures, and Good Old St. Nick himself!
It was a cold night, but we all had a great time. I could not think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit than with an old fashion Christmas parade!

Christmas Countdown Traditions

December 1st marked our countdown until Christmas. Just like in years past, we have our Advent calendar pockets filled with activities, outings and crafts. To start off our countdown, we made Rudolph pops and candy canes. I think any activity involving chocolate is always a hit. The boys pops actually turned out pretty cute!
Our other tradition to help countdown the days until Christmas is unwrapping a Christmas book each night. Each year I try to add to our collection so we are not reading the same books year after and the first book they unwrapped was a new one we added last year, "Llama Llama Holiday Drama" Oh the excitement in our house as we countdown to December 25th!

A Gingerbread Masterpiece

Rylan came out of preschool with a smile a this beautiful gingerbread house. He announce to be me "Take a picture, aren't you proud Momma." He is too funny and his masterpiece was too beautiful not to share...Enough candy you think?

One Mischievous Elf!

Our Elf Christian arrived the day after Thanksgiving and ever since then, this Santa helper has been into everything! First he was found in the Hershey kisses, the next day he was found in my jewelry, then the following day he was found cutting snowflakes, and today he was found in the flour planning to cook. He is as mischievous as the boys. I wonder what he will get into next?!