Decorating the tree Nov 27th

Now that we have the tree, we need to get it decorated.

I have let go of my need to control, and I let the kids decorate the entire tree all by themselves.

 

(Joseph was thrilled to find his stuffed snowman friend he thought he had lost last year.)

 While the kids do the tree, I do the rest...

My favorite...

After everything was all said and done, this crazy kid got dressed in his Sunday best.

He's handsome, but who knows why he decided to get all fancy right before bed.

Feels good to be done!

A Perfect Monday Night

After dinner tonight I thought it would be fun to watch the Elf, and make some chocolate chip cookies to eat.

...I was right.

It was fun!

The Great Christmas Tree Hunt

On a day when there's so much excitement in the air that you can hardly sleep, what do you do to kill time in the morning???

You paint your toenails, of course.

And after your nails are dry and you still have spare time?

... you make sugar cookies.

here's the mistress of mischief...

And what if no one else is quite as excited as you are to get out in the snow to pick out a perfect Christmas tree?

Well you get out the 10 pound rope from the garage and play jump rope.

DUH!

Reece even joined in the fun

Finally we're ready.

Reece is going to find us the perfect tree. He's wearing his camouflage to make sure the trees don't see him coming.

We drove up to Brian Head where there was about a foot of snow on the ground. Fresh powdery snow that was perfect for playing in. The sun even came out to play.

The kids couldn't get in the snow fast enough...

 Our kids got to play for a minute, but then I dragged them off into the forest to find our tree. 

 

 The quiet of the forest, watching my children frolic through the snow, and the sneaky rays of sunshine that peeked through the trees was enough to send me to my happy place. 

Finding a tree to bring home was just a bonus.

Speaking of trees,

here it is...

The tree ended up being nearly 20 feet tall.

Joe could almost pull it all by himself.

Everyone else was done and waiting by a kickin' fire by the time we got back.

 Grams wanted a picture by the snowman that the kids made...

And while there was someone willing to hold the camera, we took the opportunity to snap a family shot.

Of course, we couldn't sit still for very long...

 Got the trees loaded on/in the cars, and headed home after thoroughly enjoying the day.

These parents of mine are always so willing to do anything and everything for each of their children and grandchildren. Heck they're even willing to do anything for people they don't even know. 

They are true disciples of our savior Jesus Christ, and they are wonderful examples of Christlike love and service.

Man I love these two goofballs!

Thanks mom and dad for another amazing adventure!