O Christmas Tree!

The evening we brought our tree home, Andy and Curtis put up the lights.

I added the garland and we left it at that for the night.

The following night, we added the ornaments.

Since our tree was a little smaller this year, we didn't add all our ornaments. Just picked our favorites.

I really enjoy decorating the tree together. I'm glad this is an activity the kids are still willing to do together.

Mabel got really into the whole experience as well. 

Such a good girl.

We saved the star for Andy.

Our 2021 Christmas tree! 

Our house is all ready for Christmas. 

I love all the coziness of this time of year! 

Christmas Tree Farm

The day after Thanksgiving is our annual trip to the Christmas Tree Farm. A day or two prior, I discovered that the farm we usually go to was taking reservations this year to help with crowd control. Unfortunately, all the slots for Friday were already taken; so we decided to check out a new farm this year. Everything was great about this place. Our only hiccup was that it was a really cold day. Don't let the sun in these photos fool you, it was chilly! We waited in a long line for the wagon ride that took us out to the trees and everyone was pretty freezing by this point. Hopefully Curtis learned his lesson about wearing a coat next time. 

Nice tree. But not the one. 

So many to choose from.

Another cute tree. Still not the one. 

It looks like a tiny Graydon on Andy's shoulder. 

This is the one!

Time to cut it down! 

Everyone was feeling relieved that it was time to get warmed up!

Happy Birthday, Bella!

Bella through the years. . .

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012 

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Bella is SIXTEEN! She is growing up so much. She got her learner's permit last February and is looking forward to taking her driving test in a few months. She also tried out tennis for the first time and ended up in the Number Two Singles spot on the Varsity tennis team! She continues to play basketball and is involved in FFA, Student Council, Hauser Youth Leadership Team, and other various organizations at school. She keeps herself pretty busy; so when she's home, her favorite thing to do is relax in her room. She continues to enjoy art and journaling and reading - when she has time. She is goal-oriented and driven; but also has a silly side, which is fun to see. I'm just so happy she was born and we get to have her in our family. 

Happy Birthday, Isabella! We love you so much!