Merry Christmas!

Catching Up - December

In reverse order, here's December in a Nutshell... 

A fun trip to the butterfly biosphere where one butterfly decided Hazel was a flower. 

My kids think chicken prints in the snow are the cutest things ever and had to snap some pictures. 

We took a few short winter hikes. 

Michael had a birthday! 

Orson was just his adorable self and gave lots of great bear hugs. 

One day Michael put together an outfit of every terrible 80's fashion and decided to complete the experience with 80's style "glam" shots. Why? I wish I could tell you. The kids officially think he's crazy!

One Wednesday night while Michael was at the church I served leftovers for dinner but let the kids eat by candlelight. Who knew that simple act would propel me to world's coolest Mom? 

Because of COVID we knew getting everyone together for Christmas wouldn't happen (especially Gabby and her family since she would be so close to her due date). But we were at least able to meet up at a park one Saturday and play. I can't wait until all these cute cousins can spend more time together again! 

Best attempt at a group photo

Lenora and Brooklyn

Lenora and Ginny

Owen and Conrad

Lenora lost her two front teeth and looks adorable. She adamantly refused to the anything about wanting them for Christmas though haha!

Eliza had her very first gymnastics exhibition. She worked hard to prepare and did a great job! 

Hazel also had her very first Irish dance performance! She's really taken to Irish and loves it. 

Conrad of course was busy doing more Conrad things. When there's not enough snow outside you should make your own. 

He also did some excellent cooking with Daddy this month. I'm not sure which of his chef outfits is better though: the too-small Robin costume or Christmas vest with knight cape (both of course accented with the hot pads up to his elbows). He's seriously the cutest! 

2020 Tree Cutting Adventure!

Last year I dragged our family on a tree cutting adventure in hopes of reliving my wonderful childhood memories of fun outings in the woods and magical, twelve-foot tall Christmas trees. It ended with an adventure we'll never forget, but not exactly how I'd envisioned our day (read it here)

This year though, our tree hunt was picture perfect! The weather was ideal, the location peaceful and stunning, and we had an amazingly fun time. The kids and Haley played in the snow, wandered through groves of amazing sub-alpine fur trees, and finally we picked our tree. 

Haley was already living her best life up there when she found the greatest Christmas present ever - an elk leg. It looked like a hunter had left them for wildlife because both forelegs were there and cleanly cut. Michael had already made a deal that I could pick my favorite tree if we could go out for lunch afterwards. Eliza stepped in though and sweetened the deal, saying if I got to pick the tree, Haley should also be allowed to bring home the elk leg. Naturally, I agreed and Haley got her leg. We were both exceedingly happy with the arrangement. 

The tree we I found was tall, beautiful, and best of all light! This time we carried it back to the car in a few short minutes and had it up on the roof in no time. 

And when we got the tree home - majestic Christmas tree perfection! I love this tree so much, and I'm so thankful for as perfect a day as I could hope cutting it down. 

Thank you beautiful tree for making all my Christmas dreams come true and filling our home with magic and wonder. I realized part of why I love Christmas trees so much is for the soft, perfect light they shine in our homes. Everything looks more peaceful and perfect under in their gentle glow. They remind me of our Savior, with His light which beautifies, brings peace, and gives us joy.