Cutting Down the Christmas Tree

We went to a local tree farm to pick and cut down our Christmas tree. The kids really enjoy this, but I think Ross does even more. He brings his own saw, after all.


In the past we have gotten some really beautiful trees from here. The traditional looking firs, I think. So, this year we decided to pick the more popular Ohio Christmas tree.


We are searching through the white and scotch pine trees. They have bottle brush type branches and are really soft to the touch. They aren't super tall though.





He takes his sled pulling duty very seriously.




Zoey and Ross find a couple of good prospects.


She's petting this one (really, they are soft) and saying it is her choice.


Sizing up the competition...


Kind of neat, I think. Although a little difficult to hang ornaments on, we later found.





Where are we on the map? Trying to figure out what type of tree it was exactly.





It's Man vs. Tree...




Man wins! "You are no match for me, you puny little tree!" Ross says in his best Arnold voice.


We have our tree!! Short and stout, but cute as can be.


Loaded up on the sled...









home to decorate...

Zoey and the Tree

Just having fun with Zoey and the tree lights one evening. She is all smiles at first, but truth be told, it didn't end that way. Still, these are fun...













And, I did a similar picture a couple of years ago, but wanted to make some cards for teachers, so I decided to try again. fun, Christmas-y pictures...




And, I saw this next idea on pinterest last year and knew I had to try it once the Christmas lights came back out. It turned out okay.



We are on our first day of break today!! Just hanging out in PJs, and being thankful for our warm house and with a windy wintery storm coming and excited kiddos anxiously awaiting Christmas.

December Ten on the Tenth

The idea is to take ten photos on the tenth of the month and share it, documenting a day of your life and the ordinary moments. There is beauty in the ordinary.

December! Max thinks this month is taking FOREVER!!!! This is the first time he really cannot wait for Christmas. I had them make a wishlist on Amazon for gift ideas, and I think seeing things that he may get really got him excited. It makes it fun for us too.

Every 10th that is a school day usually starts with some comment about how early the kids have to get up. It is hard when it is so dark and cold out. This guy didn't want to get up this Monday morning...


After they kids left for school, I did some blogging to stay somewhat caught up.


Zoey sometimes uses the expression "Rainbows and Sunshine" to express things that are good/bad. Example: "hey Zoey, we have to go to the dentist today... not rainbows and sunshine"

Anyway, when I went to unload the dishwasher (not rainbows and sunshine), I actually got a reminder to at least try and have a brighter outlook... (it was almost exactly like this by coincidence, I only moved two cups to make it even more so for the picture)...



more rainbows and sunshine... coffee with peppermint whip cream!! I found the whip cream at target when looking for some picture props. How fun. I think I need to work at Starbucks or a tea shop for a little bit sometime in my life.


Zoey has to do math homework on the computer every night.


Max hates spelling practice, so we have to come up with new ways to practice words.



Dinner...


After dinner we have been having our nightly MarioKart tournament. I always lose. Zoey is often the winner for days in a row.



When it is not Ross's turn to race, he can just fall asleep!


Max and Ross (and Zoey sometimes, she joined in tonight) have nightly "Wrestle Club" I do not join in, because at this point in the game, I just get hurt.



Hope your day and December is filled with Rainbows and Sunshine!

Clifton Mill

Last Monday evening we headed to Clifton Mill to see their lights and Christmas displays. It is one of the oldest mills still in existence today and they decorate it and everything around it with over 3 million lights! The weather was mild, so we enjoyed it even more. The lights come on at 6pm every night and they do a light show to music (very Trans siberian Orchestra). I love Christmas lights, so I thought it was really good!

Here is Ross standing in the covered bridge before the lights come on.


And Boom!




This is all lighting up to the music...




After the show, we walked around a bit...


A view of the mill and then a tiny replica village in the front...


The covered bridge


the bridge is a lot farther up than you think!


And a little Z for fun!


Max watching the train in the miniature town set-up! They had the miniature Ohio State marching band spelling out OHIO! He thought that was neat.



Ross giving me his best deer impression. I used the flash on my camera so I could really get them and well, its a little bright and flash-y!


Miniature town...



Here is the replica of the mill building...


And the real thing...









The kids can look in on Santa working in his workshop and then he goes up and puts presents in the sleigh!


That's a lot of lights...


They also had an entire room filled with Santa figurines from all over the world.





Such a fun night soaking up a little Christmas spirit.