Christmas Tree Farm

Steve found out this year that there is a Christmas tree farm 10 minutes from our house. Who knew?? I would never have guessed there'd be something like that down here with the hot weather. We decided to go and check it out.

As I mentioned before, I was really on top of things this year and had things planned out. I really should have posted this before the xmas picture post. This was a VERY busy Saturday. Steve got home from work, I fed the kids, got them dressed and we headed out the door. We must have walked around for an hour before we found a tree we could agree upon. Many of the ones we liked were already sold. the cool thing about this place is that you can go earlier, pick out your tree and then come back and pick it up. This is what we will be doing next year.

We took the kids' reindeer ears with us. They lasted through the picture I took of them at the entrance of the tree farm. I didn't want to carry them around in addition to trying to carry a child. I put one set on my head and gave the other set to Steve. He was a sport and put them on. From then on out, everyone who walked past us called us the "Reindeer Family." Guess we could be called worse.

We finally found the perfect tree for us. Steve and Kyle went back to get someone to cut it down. He was a young college kid. He was really good with the kids. He asked them if they wanted to help cut down the tree. Of course it took Brooke about a nano second to fly under the tree with this guy. He had her put her hand on the saw and she got to help. He carried it back to where the car was, they wrapped it up and they put it on the car.

Once we had the tree home and up, it filled the house with that wonderful tree smell. A few bugs too but hey! This was such a great place. What a great way to get in the seaon.

Christmas Pictures

I was soooo on top of things this year. I planned out our Santa picture and the kids' photo. We took our Santa picture the night before Thanksgiving and that Saturday, I had made an appointment for our Christmas picture. I decided to put Steve and I in it this year. I again armed myself with my favorite bribery tool of fruit chews and we headed out the door. We were so proud of the kids. They did so well and it wasn't like last year when Kyle was afraid of the set. We went to Kiddie Kandids and they do such a great job with the kids.

I again told Kyle that if was a good boy and smiled, I would give him some fruit chews. Worked like a charm. Bad mommy!! We got some really good pictures. The family picture turned into our Christmas card.

Steve and I still can't believe how old the kids look. With Kyle standing the way he is next to Brooke with his arm resting on the chair, he is just so much older looking. He just cracks me up. The poor guy did a GREAT job for a kid who hadn't pooped in a few days and was backed up like NO tomorrow. We worried for not. Our little flirty ham did a great job and Brooke is actually smiling more for pictures.

Santa

Well, Christmas is finally upon us. Where has this year gone??? I didn't help the issue by taking the kids to see Santa the night before Thanksgiving. It was much easier since there is NO line. We just walk right up and they can take lots of time with us since no one is behind us. Perhaps I shouldn't be posting this idea online.

So, we got home from the beach, unloaded the motorhome, and put the kids down for a nap. I ran around to get the last minute outfit accessories for the picture. Once they were up, we fed them and raced up to Santa. Of course, I brought the bribery again. Yes, I have stooped to that level to get a good picture. I shoved some fruit chews in my purse and off we went.

The kids were all dressed in their Christmas outfits and just looked adorable. We walked up and the first thing Kyle says is, "no want to." I then told him that if he went to sit on Santa's lap and didn't cry, I would give him some fruit chews. Worked like a charm. He also gave Santa a hug at the end. Well, perhaps Santa helped by giving him a sucker. Kyle should have a shirt that says, "WILL WORK FOR FOOD."

The kids are looking so much older. I just can't believe it. We took them over to have some pictures taken in front of the tree but getting them to both look at the camera is like hearding cats. I felt lucky to get this cute Santa pix. Although, the Easter picture with Kyle screaming is actually pretty funny. My girlfriend put it in a frame at her cabin in Arrowhead.

Hope everyone is catching the spirit of the Season!!