Deck the Halls!

Last Saturday we decided to set out on a Grand Adventure to find a real Christmas Tree. In years past we have always used an old, fake one that we have. It was Wes' idea to have the fresh tree this year, and I thought "why not". Now we didn't set out into the wilderness like the Griswolds because, let's face it, it isn't very practical for our family. Wes and the girls had checked out a little, local lot down the street the night before, but most of the tress were too big. We have a very compact living room. We decided to check out Lowe's. It took some searching but we were able to find a tree that would just barely fit in our living room. It is super plush too :)

As we were out searching it started to snow, which made the experience all the more fun!

Lowe's was great enough to trim the bottom of the tree and to put it in netting for an easier drive home. The girls were SO EXCITED!

Wes managed to strap the tree to the top of the car and we made our way home in the slippery snow.

Once the tree was in the living room I started putting on the lights. I ended up running out since the tree is so much fuller than our fake one and we all headed out the door to the local Wal-Mart. The drive was a little scary thanks to the snow and the crowds were massive, but we made it back!

After a few glitches with our BRAND NEW lights, we finally got the tree all set up and decorated. Wes kept mumbling "never buy durable goods at Wal-Mart". The girls really enjoyed putting on the ornaments. Wes and I were super exhausted!

Wes still managed to put up the garland.

I managed to get a little bit of garland outside and the wreath, which has quickly become a home to the neighborhood birds.

We can gladly say though, that the house is all decorated! The fresh tree is beautiful and makes the house smell WONDERFUL! Now if only I could find the energy to wrap the girls presents!

Christmas at My Parents Home

I made a breakfast casserole to take to my parents home, tried to get gas before we left (which may I say was a a nightmare) and we headed out the door. A very large storm had come in and was blowing snow everywhere. We ended up being about 20 minutes late, but we were just glad we made it.

We headed inside, ate some yummy food, and gathered in the living room to open presents. There were a lot of people and a lot of presents so it was hectic, but still fun.

From my parents we received some new PlayStation 2 games, some gift cards, and clothes for Wes and I, including new shoes for me. Yeah!

Adelle received clothes, church shoes and tights, and some new Kelly Barbie dolls. They were collector edition dolls (Raggedy Ann and Andy, Alice and Wonderland and the Mad Hatter, and a Princess and a Prince). They of course are already out of their packaging. I have saved the Collector Certificates. Why I'm not sure, but I have anyway.

Lydia received the Little House on the Prairie Book set (which I may read at some point myself), clothes including a beautiful new dress, and some church shoes and tights.

Julie's mom gave us Lehi Roller Mills baking mixes. Yummy! The girls can't wait for me to make sugar cookies with them. I am waiting until our pile of treats from our neighbors is gone. Allie gave us a gas card which is always appreciated.

Sarah and Matt gave me new jewelry (which just happens to match my new top that Wes made). The gave Wes a Joann's gift card. They gave Lydia a new book and Adelle received these wonderful realistic looking play chocolates.

Grandma Walter gave Wes and I cash. She gave Lydia a Fur Real bird which really chirps and tries to drink out of a bottle. She also gave her some more littlest pets. She gave Adelle her bear factory which she has been wanting so much and an outfit for one of the bears.

Phil gave the girls silly putty and gave our family a fun board game set.

We had fun visiting with everyone. It was funny to see little Cedric get excited about his presents. He received an electronic dog from my Grandmother Walter which absolutely made him laugh every time it would flip. My parents also gave him a very cool toy piano, an upright one at that. It is amazing.

After things had settled down Lydia and I played Phil's new Harry Potter Clue game with him. It was a lot of fun to play a board game with him again. Phil and I used to play board games for hours when we were kids! I enjoyed winning too :) I have a competitive streak which I forget about sometimes.

We then headed home to spend the rest of the day relaxing and trying out our new toys. Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year and I wish it wouldn't go by so quickly.

Thank you everyone for your love and generosity. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Adelle getting her "girl" princess PlayStation game! She was quite excited about that. Ken and his wife Jackie are behind her.
So many presents!

Of course we always have to give hugs and say thank you.

Lydia Loo looking pretty.

Sarah and Grandma Julie opening Cedric's new piano.

Since we were a bit crowded I let Adelle take some pictures. These were her results.

Me.

Allie with her initials on her forhead.

Phil.

Sarah.

Grandma Walter at extreme close up!

Her sister.

And her little cousin Cedric.