Thanksgiving and Advent

From Fall 2013

It was another quiet and wonderful Thanksgiving at the Nelson house.  All of the usual contenders were in play; Macy's parade, food, football, turkey crafts, food, wine, naps, pie, afternoon walk, and more food.  That, my friends, is a success in my book.  Ruby and Ada were thrilled with the day which warms my heart and confirms that simple is better for our family.  We made our second annual "thankful tree" this month and it was fun(ny) to hear what the girls came up with each day.  For example, this conversation happened on more than one occaision:
Ruby: Ada what are you thankful for today?
Ada: Sprinkles!
Ruby: You already wrote that Ada.
Ada: Sugar!
Ruby: You already did "sugar"and "sprinkles" Ada.

From Fall 2013

Ruby insisted that we celebrate one holiday at a time.   She may have gotten that notion from her parents.  She may have told the neighbors they shouldn't have their Christmas lights on yet.  And she may have asked the clerk at store, "What about Thanksgiving?!"
We decided it was finally okay to get out a few of our Christmas toys on Friday and picked out our tree on Saturday.  This is the first year since getting married that we bought a real tree.

From Winter 2013-14

 The girls broke out some Christmas music and their holiday shirts while we hung ornaments (or "ordaments" as Ruby calls them).

From Winter 2013-14

  I will never earn a Christmas tree decorating award but I love getting all our decorations out and remembering the special ones we got each year.  This year Ruby got a bike ornament (because she learned to ride this fall) and Ada got an Elmo ornament (because she loves him!).

From Winter 2013-14

 We were covered in sap and it took a bit to get it standing, but Steve and I are both loving the live tree and decided we will definitely cut down our own next year.  Steve can't figure out why we always had an artificial tree before.  I have to remind him that we will likely have to take down the tree before we leave for our great holiday trip extravaganza.  So in the midst of packing and getting ready *we* will have to undecorate the tree...but it sure does smell nice!  Ada should be helpful, she likes removing ornaments.

We also unpacked the Little People nativity set (or "activity set" as RJ calls it).  As I made dinner I asked Ruby to tell Ada who all the people were.  From the other room (in typical big sister fashion) I hear:  "Ada, I get Jesus and the angel.  Here do you want the camel?  You can have the sheep too."  Poor little sis gets the lowly animals.  Hmmm... we probably need to continue the lessons on generosity!  At least baby Jesus is the most coveted of the toys, right?!

From Winter 2013-14

Ruby and I took advantage of the 60 degree weather this week and got out a few outdoor lights.  We basically tossed them in a couple bushes and called it beautimous.  Ada squealed with delight when she woke up from her nap and saw the "ickris" lights!  So, according to my girls, I am a Christmas light wizard.

Looking forward to lots more advent fun this month!