Oh Christmas Tree

Well this year we decided to go on an adventure.

We went into over the river and through the woods (literally) to get our Christmas tree!

 Jack and Mama staying safe and warm inside the car while Daddy chained up!

 We encountered MUCH more ice than we ever imagined we would.

 After we abandoned this road for safety concerns, we happened upon this back up waiting for us and 4 other vehicles to get back down the hill before they attempted to go up. Or abandon their trip too, who knows!

 We back tracked and went on a different fork of the road and I finally spotted some noble firs in a clearing, but the hillside was rather steep. So we had Steve hop out and check things out first. 

When he returned, the verdict was there were promising potentials, so we finally hopped out of the car to hunt!

(We climbed up the bank on the right side of this picture as all the promising looking trees along the road were Hemlocks)

 Mama and Jack checking out the trees.

 Looking up the hill we spotted a pretty tree!

Steve climbed up to get a closer look and shook the tree so I could kind of make out it's shape better.

This is the first time EVER I've said yes to a tree without being able to walk all around it and inspect it first. I was 50 ft downhill from this one and just took a chance and gave my approval.

 I spy with my little eye... Daddy!

 First time I saw the tree close up :)

 Yay! Daddy found a good one!

 Jack supervising Daddy as he ties on the tree.

And we began our adventure home.

Once we got Jack in a warm dry set of clothes, he passed out for most of the trip home.

(He's holding on for dear life as Daddy drives us down the hill.)

 

 And at home...

 ...he found more energy to burn off...

 ...and more trouble to get into...

 ...and under!

 He moves backwards. This is what happens.

 And at home the tree is up and decorated and it definitely makes it feel more like Christmas. 

Need to move the pile of presents under the tree now.

My chalkboard art for Christmas time :)

What a difference a year makes

Christmas 2013

SO BLESSED to have a healthy happy boy this year. 

SO THANKFUL for me to be able to be up and about enjoying the holiday festivities.

 

Our Daily Life

We haven't been up to anything in particular this month. But this is what we've been up to anyhow.

Jack knows how to relax.

I mean seriously relax dude.

My three playing together.

We provide really high tech toys that enrich Jack's life lol

Sometimes we get pretty creative

 Mama and Jack cuddles on Mama's day off

Jack knows how to eat!

 Bailey is rather excited that Jack's dinner is at her level. She is doing well to let him eat first and then help us clean up the floor after Jack is done eating.

I made us a real dinner one night!

Jack making a mess learning to feed himself. It's entertainment and practice AND dinner. Keeps him occupied for at least an hour.

I had a bit of a crafty streak...

 Made this for my sister. She couldn't find a K anywhere, so I made her one.

Made Jack his stocking too!

I'm earning a masters degree in Creative Parenting. 

On this particular day I felt particularly creative in accomplishing some yard work.

 Jack was working up a thirst while I worked, so we took a break under the trees for some lunch.

 Bailey was keeping us company and pointing out I hadn't quite finished trimming up the arborvida.

 At least someone thought I was doing a good job!

 It was time to move on to mowing the lawn, so we creatively protected Jack's sensitive ears.

 He didn't like being left in the pack n play, so we moved on to trying to mow with him in the front pack.

This is how we ended up. He was ready for a nap.

I think I earned a few credits towards my Creative Parenting degree this day.

And on Thanksgiving...

 Great Grandma Faye finally got her picture with all 12 of her Great Grandchildren!!!

Turned out better than any of us thought it would.

So yeah, that is November in a nutshell.

Jack is busy getting ready for Christmas now!!!

 Helping decorate Grammy's tree.

As for the naughty or nice list...

I think he's leaning a bit more towards naughty.

We'll have to work on that :)

Happy Halloween

Ok quick pit stop before we get to Halloween. 

Jack timed his visit perfectly to help Papa make cookies for the annual Elk hunting trip. 

Bad Papa gave Jack his first taste of sugar.

Surprise.

He liked it.

And this little cheesecake number.... oh my goodness. 

Lisa and I shared it for dessert on our "sister's day out" day.

Pineapple upside down cake with a layer of cheesecake in the middle.

Worth EVERY calorie.

And on Halloween, Lisa and I dressed as a witch and a nurse!

(Ok, it was a couple years ago.)

AND NOW.... the good stuff you've been waiting for!

Here we have a ninja, turtle and a princess. 

 GG Faye and Auntie Suellen loved these little trick or treaters!

Brought back lots of memories from when Lisa and I were littles doing the same thing on Halloween 

 Oh my little turtle. How I love thee.

Turns out this turtle is stationary. Can't roll over in his shell and not crawling anywhere yet.

Playing with GG Faye 

The troops at the end of the night. 

It was a successful spooky night and lots of fun for all :)