Deck the Halls

We had a great time this weekend picking out a Christmas tree and decorating the house. While we look forward to the days when we can head up the hill with our brood and cut down our own tree, that is a little much for us right now. So, instead we headed out to West Sacramento to visit the farm of one of our favorite farmer's market suppliers.

It was a fairly warm day and although the forecast called for rain, we just got a few sprinkles here and there. Notwithstanding the warm weather, there was a big fire burning in the center of the tree lot and, of course, all of our kids were immediately drawn to it. Here our the little Santa's elves checking it out.

They also had fun running through the trees to help us find the perfect one.

Will helped us find just the right one.

The tree farm had a giant Santa, which mesmerized the kids! Here are Natalie and Dad saying hello to Santa.

Will was very excited to see him and wanted to give him a big hug.

The girls were initially in awe.

And then they wanted to touch him -- although they thought he might pop!

Here is elf Amanda with a cute smile.

Amanda liked this little log and thought she needed to carry it around for awhile. It wasn't exactly light!

Natalie helped measure the height of the tree we selected. Always a helper!

Dad and Will supervised the loading of the tree onto our car.

While Mom took a picture of herself in the car window reflection just to prove she was there!

The kids all had a great time decorating the house and tree the next day. The girls have not yet learned that the stockings are supposed to hung by the fire. Instead, they thought they went on their feet like socks! It was very funny! Natalie wasted no trying them on.

And Amanda was quick to follow.

Everyone loved hanging ornaments on the tree.

And, once they were done, the bottom of the tree was jam packed!!




During nap time, Mom and Dad helped out by doing a little rearranging. The finished product looks like this.

Now the kids are just waiting for Santa to arrive to put a few presents under the tree!