ding dong ding dong Christmas bells are ringing

 Rio the elf has been in full force at our house. Being naughty but mostly nice.

 We are grateful that Rio understands the true meaning of Christmas...Christ.

 Our pipes froze last week in the below zero weather. It took everything to keep warm and keep things working.

 In the mean time we have decorated for Christmas...

wrapped presents...(Connor's favorite he had to write FROM: CONNOR HARRIS on all his gifts he wrapped)....we made some gifts and decor.

Enjoyed visits from family. These two are peas in a pod.

It is both Dawson and Race's first Christmas....it's only fitting that we made them their own "first ornament" I am kind of cheesy and sentimental like that.

 Can't get enough of these cute kiddos. They keep life interesting...and fun.

 I have made waaay too many batches of this stuff. yummm-o!

Preping for Daws to turn the big ONE. WHERE has that time gone?!

Most of all just enjoying time with friends and family.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Dawson's first Christmas. I thought this was so cute with his santa bum watching dad put up the tree. He was very interested in what was going on. Little cutie.

Checking all the lights before they are strung on the tree.

 My Baby's First Christmas. Tender Moment.

Dev rocks at lighting up the tree. Love him!

 Connor's job was hanging the bulbs. He took that responsibility on himself. I wasn't complaining. He did a great job! He is still so proud that it was his job and continues to take bulbs off and put them back on. haha!

 The finished product...the rest of the decor will have to wait for another night...or day.

 Rio found a nice cozy place in the tree to sleep. Once he returned from reporting to Santa.

The Perfect Tree

 Dad led us to the perfect Christmas tree. We were pulling it out in the dark, but totally worth it.

 When we got home Rio came back to visit us this year. The kids were sooo excited!

 Daws opening his very first present. Christmas is going to be fun!

 Rio brought all the kids feet Pajamas. Their favorite. They would stay in them all day if I let them.

 When the kids woke up they found Rio made himself at home and made himself a bed. Connor thought the pillow and blanket were an awesome touch.

 Pres helped me string some felt balls for a fun Christmas decor I will post later.

First Santa Visit

It's tradition to visit Santa at the Oregon Trail Center Craft Fair Every year. I love they have Mrs. Claus by his side every year. This year everything has been so magical. It is so fun to watch their little faces light up! It makes all the little things worth it.

 Lots of last first's for our little Daws. First time sitting on Santa's lap. He did really well! He looked at him a little strange, but didn't cry.

Lots to be Thankful for...give thanks

Since it is the month of Thanksgiving I wanted to look for specific things I was grateful for this month. My list started out with food, house, family, friends...things I truly am grateful for. They are staples to life. I don't know what I would do without them. Everything changed a little when my Connor noticed that many were looking to Christmas before Thanksgiving even began. He told me, "Mom, why does everyone think it is Christmas? It's not Christmas. It's Thanksgiving." It was a cute little innocent observation from a 5yr old...but made me stop to think. I often look forward instead of enjoying the moment. This year I am most grateful for holidays to help create memories for these little turkey's. They are my life and I AM so grateful for them and the memories that we create.

 

Mister Daws got to celebrate his first Thanksgiving. I think is fav was the mashed potatoes.

 

Hanging outside waiting for our Thanksgiving Feast. It was SUPER warm this year!

 

Our kids would rather eat an apple than yummy mashed potatoes and Turkey.

 

Played games...made noodles necklaces...and enjoyed the famous 18 layer jello...YUM!

 We hope you all made fun memories and had a Happy Thanksgiving.