Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Sunday, December 7th was a great dry day to head out to get our tree. I love the lot we go to, we've just never been on a weekend before. It was definitely crowded, but we got our tree, got it loaded up and headed home. Later that day it was up and had lights and burlap ribbon. After leaving it at that for a few days I've decided that with Audrey's interest in breakables to just leave it without ornaments this year. I'm adding a few ribbons and maybe some snowflakes and calling it good. It looks great. Figured it looked better than having only ornaments at the top. Even with non breakables down low, Audrey would take them off to play with. This way she's not all that interested, and frankly less work for me to get out all the boxes. It's one of the only simple items in the house between all the Christmas decorations and toys lying around.

A beautiful sunny day.

 

We found our tree!

And now helping Grandma and Uncle Matt get a tree for their house last weekend. 

 

Safari Sam's Experience

A little while ago we headed to Safari Sam's for the first time ever. It's only about a mile from our house but we'd never been. We headed over on a week night so it wasn't crowded. Arcade games, mini golf, bounce houses, and a good size jungle gym... needless to say the kids loved it. We booked Samantha's birthday party there for next month and she's already excited. We love how close it is to the house.

 

Playing arcade games

She loved hitting the button to get the ducks

She loves car games

Racing cars

Trying to climb but couldn't keep up!

In the big gym tunnel

The little kid area

She loved it!

Bounce house slide

Visiting with Santa

Well, we did it. We saw Santa, there were no tears. Sam was excited, talked to him, told him what she wanted... and Audrey, didn't freak out. She was hesitant but just wanted to check him out. I caved this year due to all the crazy busy schedules and just went to the mall... ugh, won't be doing that again. I liked Santa, but wasn't impressed with all the set up, long lines, and then the lighting of the picture is disappointing, especially for the cost.

 

 

Love this of Audrey and Santa

 

 

 

 

A "real" haircut

Sam had her first haircut before she turned one, and since then I've given her trims. I decided it was time to get an actual haircut. I showed her pictures before we left and she picked one with shorter hair. She likes it now, but wasn't always thrilled once she saw it. She didn't know the woman cutting her hair, didn't realize what was happening, and then I took her out when all she wanted to do was play. Audrey had a blast as the whole place is filled with toys for those not there for service.

 



 

 

Makes me a little sad, but I love it shorter, and know it grows super fast.

Random videos of the girls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone Pics Galore

She was making "Grr" sounds. Very cute

Yep, she wanted to wear one of each shoe... so she did, to school.

Tis the season!

This is how Audrey rolls... with tortellini

Trying to wear one of mommy's boots

Riding the carrousel at the mall

Sam's turn

Sometimes they can share the coloring area

I love our backyard sunrises

Dinner stretching

This the season for baking.

Zoo lights

Thanksgiving Chocolate Chunk Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Salted Caramel filling

"Also available in African American"

Black Friday shopping!

She spilled her water... we asked her where it went... hence the pointing. Then she tried to lick it up. Goof

Waffle and banana breakfast. Happy Girl

Cuddles with kitty.

Relaxing at intermission of Mamma Mia

"I don't know how Santa fell down mom."

They made up

2014 for sure. "Coloring" on the ipad by touch, while relaxing by the "fire" on demand on tv.

65 Christmas cards mailed out

Off to pick up sister from school

Cupcakes for Grandma Pat's birthday.

Gauge reading a story to Samantha. She is still very impressed he knows the words.

 

Holiday tradition... Bad Santa

Our new bedding, comforter, duvet, quilt. All so warm and cozy.

 

Playing at Norah's 2nd birthday party.