The Most Wonderful Time of Year

The tree hunt was successful and extremely cold!  We couldn't wait to decorate and start enjoying the winter season.  I hope you all are feeling the joy of this season and hanging on to memories of your childhood family traditions.  I know we are!

Most of the ornaments ended up at the bottom of the tree naturally but it is perfect in their eyes

"I love Christmas!"

Adding some to the top

This dude is ready for Santa

Each ornament on here has a story behind it.  We are thankful to have a lot from Nama.  She started our collection for us when Tim and I started dating and continued to add to it when we had our boys.  We cherish all of them!

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

Thanksgiving was spent in Eau Claire, WI at Uncle Eric's and Aunt Maridee's house.  It was a wonderful day to be with the Olson family and give thanks for what and who we have.  There was tons of food, lots of football played and watched, and a very long walk for the ladies.  Before dinner, the 6 youngests were asked what they are thankful for and these were their answers: our new table from Papa, my whole family, and LOVE!  And we are thankful for all of them and all of you!!

The 3 youngest

Maxwell, Avery, and Lincoln

The 3 oldest

Karlie, Charlie, and Claire

The kids table.  Aunt Maridee put a huge paper down for them to color while they ate.

Some of the adults with older girls

Karlie - Grma Millie - Aunt Janice - Art - Aunt Nancy - and Claire

Oh Claire Bear!

The dude table

Uncle Ben with Charlie (he got CT to eat mashed potatoes!)

The love of my life!

So very grateful for this man and his many talents

Uncle Ben with Lincoln

Art and Max "eating" pizza

Time for football!!

Ellen, Nick, Caleb and I played with the kids and wore them out

This turkey had a blast!

As did Avery - poor thing couldn't stay awake a minute longer

Grandma Millie and Aunt Janice 

Tim and Auntie Heather

Max after eating a red velvet cookie that Ellen brought.  YUMMY

Aunt Nancy and Grandma Millie watching the game

Uncle Eric - Thanks for hosting and making the day wonderful for all of us!

SUPER PAPA!

Papa came on Friday night to deliver our new handcrafted table and spend time with the boys.  We had such a great time together and it was horrible to watch him go this morning.  He watched the boys so we could go out for our 7th anniversary, for Charlie's parent teacher conference, and for some early Christmas shopping.  I had to work Monday and the twins didn't go to daycare, so Papa kept them busy all day!  One hands-on grandfather!  The boys cherish these times with him just as much as we do.  Before bed last night, Tim and I both said "I don't want him to go in the morning".  We are looking forward to the next time he can come stay for a week.

Papa "boysat" for us about 4 times and they all wore each other out.

Lots of walks

and park visits

Trying out our new table

the newest addition to our house

We couldn't thank Papa enough for this beautiful work of art!  I know I will see my own grandchildren at this table.  I have lots of memories around my dining room table as a child and I know so many memories will be made around this one.  

Solid oak table - Timothy F. Haggar one of a kind

THANK YOU DAD!!  We love it so much!

Spook-tacular Halloween 2012

The adult Halloween Party!

2 beat up dudes (Ben and Danny) - 1 candy corn (Heather) - 1 train conductor (Kayla)- 1 hippy (Mel) - and 1 "Marv" (70's Tim)

Great night for this couple!

Marv and his lil candy corn sis

Thanks for a great night ladies!

Darth Maul aka Charles T.

Darth Vadar - Master Yoda - Darth Maul

Lincoln - Max - Charlie

Trick or Treating with buddies Luke and Jake

Max and Linc knocking on doors (couldn't keep up with the big kids)

"May the force be with you"

"Give me something good to eat!"