The trimmings and trappings

We had grand ideas of getting the tree up and all decorated while Rob and Lindsay were still in town, but we just ended up running out of time and didn't want to rush something that is supposed to be relaxing and fun. So we put the tree up on Friday night and let the branches relax so it would be ready for Saturday night. 

Friday night my parents had gone out and done a little Black Friday shopping and found some new pajamas for Matt--I love the faces of Blake and Matt in this picture!

Had to post both of these pictures….the kids' expressions cracked me up!

And Blake was happy to bring the traditional bottled Cokes--he had been waiting to drink these for days! 

It's always so much fun to open up each bin of Christmas decorations and reminisce about where each item came from and the memories attached to them. The boys loved starting their own Nutcracker collection last year (Matt's collection started around the age of 5 and is quite extensive). Unfortunately it's a bit blurry, but I was so glad I caught Blake's expression as he looked at his nutcracker for the first time this year. Of all three kids, he was by far the most animated and expressive about each ornament. I didn't end up taking any pictures (trying to get better at just enjoying the moment) but man was it awesome. Upon taking out each ornament, Blake would make some type of exclamation about how it was the best ornament and say, "OH LOOK! My _______________" and even after about 20 ornaments, his enthusiasm didn't fade one bit. At one point, he just stood back, looked at the tree and said, "This is my favorite time of year". Be still my heart.

Our star was a bit heavy for the tree this year (a little trim on the top of the tree made for an easy fix)

The biggest hit this year? watching the bubbles from the Coke push the straws up

Wyatt was trying to figure out how it was happening...

….and then Sadie checked it out herself

We had a blast getting the house in the Christmas spirit and continue to be so thankful that my parents come up each year and help with all of it (which ends up delaying their own decorating and getting their tree up). It wouldn't be the same without them!