Our Outdoor Christmas Tree Tradition

Every year we decorate a tree outside and leave fruits, seeds, and popcorn for the animals. We all enjoy being outside and hanging up the treats. We saw deer and other animal tracks right by the tree. It's a well established hangout for turkeys, too. Steph initiated this tradition and it has become a must do around Christmastime!

Colin missed out this year. We couldn't bring ourselves to wake him up. It was right around his naptime so we let him sleep (we had to do it then as there was a storm brewing).




Do any of you do this, or have another holiday tradition?

Ian's Christmas Concert

Ian's Christmas concert was really fun. He was very attentive and sang all his songs. He has been learning tin whistle and will be playing some songs on it at the Spring concert!

Sesame Street Live!

We took the kids to Sesame Street Live at the Civic Center. They loved it! It was called "Elmo Grows Up." He couldn't decide what he wanted to be when he grew up. Dancing and singing nonstop. It was great!


Cookie Monster wanted to be a Firefighter. I never knew he was such a good dancer.

Ian when they first came out.

Colin's reaction. He loves Elmo. He calls him, "Melmo."

A Visit With Santa

Ian's making up for years past. He used to just scream at him! Now that he's older and views Santa as an ally, he tells him what he wants for Christmas. This year: a chemistry set.

It was worth the wait in line. (I waited in line while they trapsed around the mall having fun!) Again, it was worth the wait. Look at that smile.

Getting Ready for Christmas

"Dear Santa..."

Yay! We found a tree!

Ian picks it out every year.

Ian took this shot and the next one of the carolers.

Would you really bring a lamb with you to go out singing? Old fashioned handwarmer???

Colin getting a look at Old St. Nick.


You have no idea, little man!

They Grow Up So Fast!

Colin multitasking.

Ian trying to remember which girlfriend he's talking to.



Actually, they were talking to Grampa!

Be Warned!

THE SURGEON GENERAL HAS WARNED THAT PLAYING PUNK ROCK MUSIC DURING BATHTIME MAY CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN YOUNG ENOUGH TO STILL BE TAKING A BATH!