Tuesday, December 8, 2009

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

So, in preparation of this incredible season, we have made some attempts to start new family traditions.

{1} Christmas count-down

I found this idea online...

...there's a tag for every day...

...on the back there is "A time for..." for every day along with a bible reading...

...the final product...


{2} Acquiring a Christmas tree from a local grower

can you tell it was a TAD chilly that day?!

...BBbrrrrrrr...
...trying to find "the" tree...
...where's Affie??......us...

{3} Trimming the tree while listening to Christmas music and munching on food that one should never admit was in the house, let alone served as the days' final meal!


...wondering why they always want their decorations to be hung at the top of the tree...

{4} Christmas baking with family and friends - this year we spontaneously decided to decorate some cookies while Karys had a friend over...they had a blast, and the cookies were yummy too!

...rolling the dough...

...ready to bake! Note the ancient baking device?! yup...that's my oven!...
...all ready to decorate!...
gotta love those boys who have to look like they're not having fun!
...mmmm, icing...

...icing to sugar ratio - 10:1...

...100% concentration

...can't forget the sprinkles!!...
...READY...

...TO...

...EAT!!...


{5} Take in some festive community activities!

This year we went to a fundraiser put on by a family who helps women from the lower Eastside. It was phenomenal! Santa met us at the end of the driveway, where our girls flatly refused to even look at him, let alone sit on his lap and pose for a picture! While we were trying to figure out how to diffuse the anxiety we were met but some friendly faces and made some crafts. There were ponies, lamas, goat and bunnies to pet and cuddle, marshmellows to be toasted and a gorgeous home to wander through - taking in the lovely decorations, treats, apple cider and different trees in every room!

...geting there...

..."little angel" craft...

...toasting marshmellows...

...attempting to eat marshmellows, neatly...
...Karys, in her element! This little lady loves animals!...

...soaking in the moment...

...Avery in awe...

...cheese face...
note: see last post for further reference to this oh-so-familiar face
I think it's safe to say fun was had by all!

Whoa, that was a long one! And, if your nice enough to have stuck with me through this whole thing...it's your "lucky day"!! RIIIGHT! Nope, it's not really, but the least I can do for you is give you a laugh...get a load of this...

{6} Fit in workout videos wherever/whenever I can, and hope that hubby is FAR away from me AND the camera!

yup...he caught this one evening while the girls and I were "working out"

and he was supposedly "working" downstairs!

There ya have it...laugh away...and thanks for hangin' in there!

3 comments:

kelly ens said...

looks awesome!!! great traditions you're starting :)
i love Christmas :)

Rachel said...

looks like you guys had a blast! those are some great traditions you're starting! i'm hoping to get some started this year too :)

Unknown said...

beautiful! you have a beautiful family, and I am delighted to meet you! thanks for de-lurking =D