DECEMBER 2012 RECAP

DECEMBER 1 - TREE DAY!

Live Christmas tree hunting has become one of my absolute most favorite holiday traditions!  We loaded up the truck this morning and headed to Daniel's Summit to find our "perfect tree."  After a warm and filling breakfast at the only diner in town, we spent a couple of hours trudging through knee-deep snow {so fun!} until we found it.  The perfect tree.  Nothing beats a live Christmas tree, people.  There's something magical about it.  Stryker did surprisingly well - though he loves being outside and I bundled him up like an Eskimo baby!

The brilliant Eric discovered that "3/4 trees" work best in our little front room because we can place them in the corner without obstruction from branches.  Yeah, he's seriously good at using his brain!  :)

DECEMBER 2 - TRIMMING THE TREE

Seriously such a heart-melter!

E and I took turns putting the lights on the tree - I HATE putting
lights on the tree, but it's so worth it in the end!

Boy was SO GOOD about just looking at the tree and ornaments, we never had to
worry about the glass ornaments the entire season.  

DECEMBER 3 - OTHER DECOR/COMPLETE ENSEMBLE

Fresh pine boughs hanging in the windows!

Our reasons for the season

Mr. Fix-it!

DECEMBER 6 - HOMEMADE PASTA

I have wanted to make homemade pasta for AGES...don't really know why, I just have.  So I finally decided to make some...and I ended up giving most of it away as Christmas gifts.  It was a fun, time-consuming process, but nothing beats fresh pasta! :)

DECEMBER 9 - SENYA'S ONE!

Steph hosted an amazing owl-themed party for her little miss...

Sneaking some goodies!

Check me out!  I'm ONE!

The Christensen's joined us on tree cutting day, they scored on a beauty too!

DECEMBER 10 - SNOW...finally!

Boy is in heaven!!!

DECEMBER 14 - WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY

The theme was "A Night in Bethlehem," and we were asked to dress in "authentic garb."  I didn't think boy would handle shepherds robes so well, so I whipped out a sheep costume for him.  Oh yeah, he's going to thank me for that one when he's older!  Ha ha!

DECEMBER 22 - HAYLEE'S PARTY & SLEDDING DAY

"Da Girls" got together for a little birthday and baby celebration for Haylee {she's having a little lady, so we made some cute head things to embellish her hair}.  It was so nice to visit with my friends for a couple of hours...then it was off to host sledding day for the family!  {Complete with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, homemade biscotti, hot chocolate and homemade peppermint marshmallows.}

DECEMBER 23 - DISH BOY & PRESENT WRAPPER

I really enjoy having a little helper 'round these parts!  :)

DECEMBER  - THE EVE PARTY

We got to see Gma & Gpa Sorensen and celebrate Christmas Eve with all the local fam.  So fun!  And of course everyone spoiled little man...

This kid needs a puppy...someday...

DECEMBER 25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Best Christmas breakfast EVER - Ebelskivers!

Two most handsome men I know!  What a lucky lady!

Simmering wassail to enjoy ALL DAY LONG!

"For the beauty of the earth..."

Opening presents...so very carefully!  :)

This is breed of puppy the mama can handle right now...

LOVE THIS BABY BOY!!!

Thanks again, Erik & Michelle!  I LOVE IT!

Merry Christmas from our hearts to yours!

DECEMBER 30 - BOY THE CONDUCTOR

DECEMBER 31 - THE END!

It has been an incredible year full of rich blessings, happiness, challenges, and love.  Thank you all for being a part of our lives and making it such an enjoyable experience.