Christmas Decorations 2013

We put up out decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving.  I love to have the decorations up early as it is a great reminder of the Christmas season.


For the first 3 weeks or so - this is our tree.  And it's been our tree for 10 years. I pushed for a bigger tree this year but it just wasn't in our budget.  But beautiful just same.

Pic of the Nativity / Wise Men sign / and Picture of Christ

 A Close-up of the Nativity and Wise Men.  Our RS Presidency made these last year for all the sisters, I love mine! 

Then, Christian's mom found a tree at Walgreen's on Clearance.  It was only $10 and fully decorated except the lights didn't work.  So we undid the dead lights (took a couple hours) and then put new ones on.  It is a gorgeous tree!

Here's one view:

 Here's another view.

I love it!  -

December Snow Play

On the Sunday right before Christmas, we had quite the Ice Storm and then 5 inches of snow on top.  They canceled church and we stayed inside where it was warm.  But Patrick wanted to play outside - so we dug out the winter stuff to let him play.  We used it as a day to introduce the snow to Payden who would point and say snow but due to his reaction last year.. we didn't want to push too strongly. 

Here are some pics that I had on my phone. 

Pic of Maddie - this is her shoveled place to potty - Here she was looking at me, telling me that she was done and could come in now.  She HATES the snow!  

Ready to play outside

Big Smile! 

 Playing with Daddy

 On his knees in the snow. 

Patrick stayed and played for a good 30 minutes.  I think he was oblivious to the cold and we spent a good 10 minutes warming him up when he came inside.  We definitely need to look for better gloves as the ones he has are much too small!  

But it was sure fun!