Tree Cutting Festivities

Last Saturday, our friends invited us to join them in heading up to the mountains to cut down a Christmas tree. This was the first time I actually remember ever cutting down a Christmas tree in the forest! Much different and much more fun than simply going to your local Christmas tree farm in the middle of the city! Paul found a great tree. It didn't look quite that big before he chopped it down! Funny how the size of a tree in its natural environment can be so deceiving! Good thing Andrew was there to help him haul it back up the hill! After much looking, we also found a cute little tree for Chloe and Macie.

Thanks, Miller fam, for inviting us to go with you on your Christmas tree hunting excursion! We are in favor of making this a yearly tradition!

Thanksgiving

This year we opted for a "staycation" and only traveled less than 30 minutes to my Aunt Mary's house for the Thanksgiving festivities. She made a fantabulous dinner, which I'm beginning to feel the soon to be comatose effects of. It was a laughter-filled evening hanging out with my aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandpa. Although it's always sad to not be with our immediate families during the holidays, we are so thankful for my aunt and how she always goes out of her way to make us feel welcomed and loved! We are tremendously blessed beyond measure with our two precious girls, our loving family, and our Heavenly Father who daily pours out His grace upon us!

Here are a few shots from the activities of the day...

Traditional picture of baby on the turkey platter on her first Thanksgiving




Chloe wanted to get her picture taken on the platter, too!

Thanksgiving Dinner at my Aunt Mary's house

Tons of food and this wasn't even all of it!






Having fun hanging out with Great Grandpa!

Thanksgiving Weekend Christmas Decorating:

Pre-tree decorating mug of hot cocoa

The finished product

Snowy Football

Last weekend, we bundled up in our warmest gear and headed out in the snowy weather to watch the Air Force football team completely destroy UNLV. We went with our friends, the Millers and the Renzelmans. I wasn't sure how long we would last with the temperature being in the 20's. However, we were very prepared for the cold and made it all the way to the beginning of the 4th quarter.

Funny Chloe

A few days ago, I went to get Chloe up from her nap and this is what I found:

Is this a sign that it's time for us to take a trip to the beach??? Of course, Chloe wanted Macie to wear her swim suit, too!

Cute bath faces

Showing off her first 2 teeth!

Sante Fe Trail

Last weekend, we went for a 5+ mile hike on the Sante Fe Trail. This trail runs right through the Air Force Academy property. At the time when we were on the trail, the Air Force vs. Army football game had just started. The Thunderbirds were in town for the big game so we were able to experience them flying right over our heads. We also saw several cadets parachuting down onto the football field. Seeing all that was an added bonus to a fun afternoon outing!

One of the Thunderbirds


Parachuters


Look closely. You can see the flag

Zoo

Last week, my good friend Melissa and I took our little monkeys to the zoo. Although Macie has been to the zoo several times before, this trip marked the first time that she actually was interested in seeing the animals. It was really cute watching her reaction and listening to her squeals of delight when she spotted the different animals.

In keeping with tradition


Best buds




Observing the wallaby