Our Tree......the Story

We headed up to Boiling Spring farm (for the 2nd year)....remembering fondly the awesome trees they had last year on a very Sunny and chilly end of November Sunday. We had already decorated the rest of the inside of the living room the day before...it's always good to break it up a little, adding to the enjoying factor of not being totally overwhelmed with it all. We were directed via sign to their second field and the place was mobbed! A little more walking than last year too.

 After a quick tractor ride, The kids found a great tree instantly.....I reminded them that the trees look alot smaller outside than they do inside the living room. But both T and L agreed! We walked a little more , through the thick mud (good call on the boots Mom) just to make sure it was "the one" and right about the time B said "ugh, that is enough walking" we headed back to the tree the boys liked best. Note to self: when they agree on a tree, go for that one immediately and try not to overthink it.

Holy crap, the trunk was thick and it took lots of exhausting manpower on the part of mostly J to cut it down. We stopped to snap this quick family photo (minus the eye rolling since it's very important to me....not so much the rest of the fam....groan). The photo of course turned out blurry due to the camera being set on the ground, and the fact that it was so darn sunnyy (really first world problems). Oh, well, real life.

When we finally got it cut, J reached into the pocket to grab the tag and it was gone. Holy crap. We looked around, and it was no where to bee seen, So J huffed it back to the entrence to get another tag while we waited. The tractor picked up our tree while we paid the hefty 55 bucks and the kids enjoyed some "free" hot chocolate (their favorite part). After Only a little bit of squabbling over who got more hot chocolate, we hoisted the tree on top of our 2006 Toyota van and we were on our way (already tired!).

After a quick trimming (on the lawn this time). we brought the tree in for decorating. J always loves to "overdo it" with the lights in his Clark Griswold Style. The kids take over (mostly) in hanging the ornaments and putting up the Christmas Village. We have a crap load of ornaments! They (the kids) each have their own box tehy will take with them some day. Some, needed to be retired due to falling and getting broken, but they all have such special meaning.  The handpainted falling apart ornaments they made in Kindergarten. The Hallmark collectors that the kids get every year. The 1950 glass ball from My grandparents first tree, the last card that Nanny sent. All hold a special place in my heart. Just another reminder of how fast it is all going.

  Oh yes, another year decorating the tree with my favorite people. There is so much to be thankful for this holiday season. Bring on the twinkle!

Hello October

 Ok, so it's already halfway through October.  Right now......School is in full swing and with it some added stress in managing a boat load of homework and schedules and meltdowns and IEP's and J's constant work travel. Oye.  That.time.of.year.(keepin' it real).  On a happier note, I'm making time for exercise, We're meditating together at night and planning out all our holiday activities! 

 My 41st birthday was a gratefully quiet one.  Spent the day with my favorite people working around the house and then out to my favorite Flatbread dinner.  Some day, I may change it up for a wild party with all my family and friends just so I feel loved.......for now, this is all I need.

 School open houses with one excited to show us everything in his new school 3rd grader.  He's just rocking it this year. 

 The traditional family birthday Pic.

 And what birthday weekend would be complete without a visit to the Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze. This time with COUSINS!  Oh. so.fun.  and the homemade kettle corn?  To.Die.For.

And that's all she wrote......be back soon with some fall favorites....

Apple Picking!

 We've done this every year since we were a family of three with a little one.  Of course the perfectly posed babies amongst the pumpkin photos are something that have passed us by.  BUT, just as we change, we can mark the passage of time by the things we do year to year, how they change and we change.  That's called tradition.  So I present to you....our 2015 Apple picking adventure, complaining, and bickering children (and adults!) and all. 

 This music folk group was amazing, and peaceful and the icing on the cake.

 and this was too.

 and this.

and this.  Love.

September!

Right now......We're making calendars and getting organized.......starting off on the right foot!

 The chore system in action......

They love reading. L brought a big bag of Elsa Boskow books, I love how she introduces them to new things.   I love capturing the little moments.

 They're really into playing cards.

 and inventing things (not pictured: the shovel he used to clean up).

 visitng with Gammie and Grampa for the long labor day weekend.  The peanut butter bars they cooked up are to DIE for.

 He loved how he got to stay up with the grownups and play cards. 

 and they got to play with all Grampa's toys.

 I'm not sure who liked it more......the big kid or the little.

WE had an awesome visit with Grandma.  We had lunch an awesome conversation.

 Of course there was our annual Labor day trip to the watch to watch the sunset on our summer.....

 Wearing skirts more than shorts these days. 

 Riding bikes to the bus stop every day.

 Swim season starting (and we have a carpool this year!!)

 

 and a once in a lifetime swim with Olympic Gold Medalist Jason Lezak!

 Cub scouts and Soccer....Oh my!

 He LOVES playing goalie.

 We all helped plant memorial trees for our neighbor who went home to Jesus much too soon.  The was spreading of the ashes, song and prayer, hugs and friendship.

And last, but not least, we kicked off the cool nights with a fire.  Friends and kids running around in by backyard fills my cup to the overflow.  Here's to many more night like these :)