Pre-Christmas Festivities

This is so totally after-the-fact, but I needed to get it in my blog for history's sake....

Anyhoo, here are some of our pre-Christmas festivities around our house---

Decorating the family Christmas tree--Jared and I both received a Hallmark ornament every year growing up. He got one every Christmas from his Grandparents and I received mine from my parents. We've continued the tradition with our own kids. They love their Hallmark ornaments!




And of course, what would be a Christmas picture without some Christmas guns?! Sheesh...I hope they all get tired of them soon.

Now that's more like it....


Here's a picture of Carson's Christmas choir concert. Not the best picture, but he was actually pretty far away and this was the best I could do. He is not the biggest fan of choir but it is required, or I guess I should say "very strongly encouraged" by his teacher. I doubt he'll do it next year so here's probably the one and only picture!



We thought we'd change it up a bit this year and go to Leavenworth and see the tree lighting and have fun in this little German town!

We went with the Olsons and had a blast! One of the best things about the Olsons is that they have kids similar ages as ours and they all get along great. Happy children who have someone to play with=happy parents who can relax and have a good time!

Chloe+Kelsey....

Kaiya+Kayla....

Carson+Jacob.....


Doing the "chicken dance" in the town square...

Posing with Rudloph and Frosty...


Sitting on Santa's lap and letting him know their Christmas lists


Look at the crowds of people behind us!


We're having so much fun!

Boys sledding-

Girls sledding--Kaiya was so much braver than I thought she'd be....

We also had the opportunity to see the lighting of the trees and then see a live nativity. Soooo cool!
Gotta love my Amy time!

Of course Jared had to take a picture of me eating this enormous dog.
Here's a picture of our family slumber party. We always have a family slumber party on Dec. 23rd around the Christmas tree, before the Christmas Eve/Christmas Day festivities kick in. We watch the Polar Express and have hot chocolate and popcorn. It's always so much fun!