Oh Christmas Tree

Once again we went to the tree farm to choose a tree.

 We took a little elf with us to help.

 This is typical Eve, in her own little world, singing about something

 Somehow cutting a tree is more difficult with help.  Check out the belly on that foreman!

 Grandma went with us.

 And look who else was there!  John and Eve were excited to see Santa.  Ellie, not so much.  Eve asked for a Barbie (or a Bah-bie as she says).  John asked for a hotwheels track that sticks to the wall.  Neither one of them had to think about it.  They were very prepared and stuck to business.

 Poser!

 And then it was time to decorate...

Once again, not quite as easy with 3 kids, but certainly fun!

Christmas Decorations - Part 1

We've decorated for Christmas in stages.  Fortunately we got back from Thanksgiving in Highlands with enough time to get started that weekend.  Of course they had to climb the tree to start the lights outside.

 We also let the kids put up and decorate their little tree.  Unfortunately the camera wasn't cooperating, so I don't have many pictures.

 Either Ellie or John sat under the tree like a present...then they all did.  They're more special gifts than they'll ever know.

When I was at a meeting, Buck helped the kids setup the nativity scene.  If you can see, they're acting a little crazy in the picture.  It's a wonder the angel still has their wings, Baby Jesus still has his head, and Daddy still has his hair.

18 Months

Well, Ellie isn't 18 months anymore, but here are some pictures from when she was.  Time flies.  If there's anything this girl lacks, it sure isn't personality!  Unfortunately I've misplaced her measurements.  Her length - weight percentage gap is closing, but she's still on the pudgy side...which I love.  She is one sweet and fun girl!

Thanksgiving

(It's catch up time!)  We had another wonderful Madding family Thanksgiving.  This year we went back to Highlands, NC.  The weather was beautiful, and a bit warmer than last year, so we went on a short "hike" down to a waterfall.  Ellie loved the pack, shaking it around and laughing.  Eve came home completely wet.  John really enjoyed climbing on the rocks.

 Bridge family, minus John (who was keeping G.G. company)  Byron (Angie's younger son), Angie (Kyle's fiance), Kyle, Emily (Trevor's "friend"?), Mimi, Trevor, Julie, Ryan, Cara (and Baby Bridge), and Jay

 Back on the homefront, Buck was testing the turkey oil temperature by hand.  Don't try this at home, kids!

 CLR...guess who won the pot...

 Casey was the Turkey this year and read a story for the kids.

 For Turkey Tree this year the kids got to go on a treasure hunt!  So fun!

 And then we ate...a lot.  John has always carved the turkey.

 G.G. helped John and Eve with some crafts.

We had lots of family time playing games, telling stories, a baby shower for Jay and Cara and Brian and Kasey.  It really is my favorite time of year!