Picking a Christmas Tree

Once we moved into our new house last year and no longer had carpet, we decided it would be a great idea to head out and get a real tree.  I've never really been opposed just really grew up with artificial ones. Jeff on the other hand was able to go out with his family and cut one down often and I know how much he loved doing that, so now we get to do it too.  And no excuses because we don't have carpet anymore!  After lasts years not so great experience of going way too late, it getting dark and being way too cold, we made sure this year we were well prepared and the kids were ready to go.  We bundled them up nice and tight, headed out right after nap time and it worked out great!  We picked a tree out nice and fast and Jeff cut it while the kids and I explored.  We packed it up and had it up in the house in a couple of hours.  Much better than last year!

We decided to get different lights for our tree this year and didn't have enough, so we waited for a couple of days to get it all decorated.  Not Noahs not favorite idea.  I'm pretty sure he asked about the tree about a million times before we finally were able to decorate it. Then once we were all done he kept asking if we were sure we were done and why we didn't have more decorations to put up.  It's safe to say he's already enjoying the Christmas season.

Enjoying the Warm Winter Weather

I realize this is super late, but as usual, being a stay at home mom (not really, but still being on maternity leave) leaves me no time to keep up here.  Who knew all the extra time at home meant I was even more busy than working full time.  Luckily for us so far, this winter has been super warm and we've been enjoying the outdoors as much as possible until the dreaded snow arrives. A couple of weeks ago, Noah and I went for a late night walk to look at the stars and ended up in the backyard cuddled under a blanket while making up stories and looking for shooting stars.  Last week, we took Peyton out to explore outside.  We bundled him up in the stroller while Noah and I jumped in puddles and walked around in the rain.

Noah thought it was so great that we could go outside while raining.  Every kid should be able to run around outside and get wet and dirty.  Of course I made him take all his clothes off out in the garage after we were done. None of that dirt needed to get in the house. We ended up with huge collection of rocks and sticks after our walk and made the weirdest art project ever a couple of days later.  We literally glued the rocks and sticks to a paper plate and added random pieces of paper and felt.  He was so proud; he facetimed pretty much every single family member to show them his creation.  *art projects for cheap*

So we're hoping this weather continues as long as possible.  I'm looking forward to some playdates in the snow but lets be honest, I rather be at the beach than bundled up outside with the kiddos.

when you realize family-time is the best time

After a crazy week we finally made it to a couple of days at home with the kids.  With Hillary visiting GV last week and then Jeff training for a couple more days, our weekend at home as a family pretty much dissipated and instead we worked our butts off trying to make everything work.  Finally on Sunday we got some good quality time and realized how nice it is to all be together...and how much easier it all is.

I'm back at work today but Jeff still has a couple of days off and we're going to soak it up as much as we can.  Peyton is growing up quick and part of me is loving being home more and working less.  Such a change than when Noah was this old.  We're looking forward to a great Thanksgiving week with lots of family cuddles and maybe even a nap or two to catch up.