Oh Christmas Tree!....

That's right.  Our Christmas tree is up before Thanksgiving.  Not that long ago, I would have said that's an abomination.  But Thanksgiving weekend has gotten busy enough and I'd rather just relax (plus we're usually out of town).  So the past two years, we've done it the weekend before Thanksgiving.  And I like it.  

The girls "helped" this year - Ri more so than Kaylee.  I'm sure there will be several times when we will have to remind Kaylee that the ornaments are not toys (at least they're not fragile).

Notice that most of the ornaments are on the same branch.  We are gonna leave it that way.  :)

My prayer is that our girls will come to realize what's truly important during this season: Christ and His sacrifice for us - and that it really is better to give than to receive.  

She's Got Moves You've Never Seen

We've come to realize Ri is a pretty good dancer.  I suppose it's in her blood  :)

This was October 26th, 2011 - she had just turned two

This was November 4th, 2011 at her Daddy's football game (probably my favorite so far)

Disney on Ice

We are taking Ri to her first big event soon - Disney on Ice!  My mom had mentioned it was coming to town but I wasn't quite sure she was old enough to pay attention the whole time and I didn't wanna spend the money if she wasn't ready.

But then, just yesterday, we found out if you took a few nonperishable items to a food drive, you would get free tickets (2 per family)!

So we got two tickets and my mom gave us one of hers since my dad isn't interested in coming.  :) (Kaylee will be free if we decide to take her)

I'm SO excited!!!  Apparently, they were having trouble selling tickets for this particular night because it's the day before Thanksgiving.  So that's why they did the promotion yesterday.  

The show will have characters from Cars, Toy Story, Tinkerbell, and The Little Mermaid - all of which I think she'll love (especially Toy Story since she's pretty much in love with Buzz Lightyear)

Total, we spent about $6 for all of us to go - can't beat that!  

Football is OVER!!! And other happenings



Septtro and I...together at 3:45pm on a weekday! :)



So Septtro's team lost last Friday.  It was actually a close game - back and forth. But they lost.  It's over - no more meetings, Spring practices, summer workouts, film sessions (seriously people, football has got to be the one sport that requires the most time from coaches). 

 I am a little sad for Septtro.  I know it's bittersweet for him.  He wants to be home.  But he does love football.  But he'll be coaching some of the boys this Spring for track and field and I'm sure he'll keep in touch.  Plus, who knows - maybe in 5-10 years, he'll make a coaching comeback. 

A few weeks ago, we went down to Columbia for the State Fair.  Septtro and I had been once when we were dating and we split a turkey leg and just walked around (mostly laughing at others trying to win the rigged games).  But this time, we were treated to rides and food (thanks Papa Sene and Grandebbie!).  The girls both had so much fun and seeing Ri's expression while riding rides was priceless!!

We went trick or treating on Halloween.  Ri was Cinderella and KK was pretty much the cutest lil pig you've ever laid eyes on.  They had a great time at a nearby church festival and, of course, we got a TON of candy! 

Last night, we had a camp out in our backyard.  I was nervous - and I'm not a huge fan of tent camping.  But our house was so close.  To my surprise, both girls conked out by 10.  But a bit before midnight, my face was freezing and I was concerned about the girls being out all night.  And I knew I wouldn't sleep much because I'd be so concerned and want to check on them all night.  So we took them inside.  And they went right to bed again.  We'll definitely have to try it again when it's warmer.  They loved it!  

I do love where we live, despite being a bit further from a grocery store than I'd like.  Example: a tractor cutting grass along our road = entertainment for at least a good hour - and for free!

Also, I'm pretty excited I can actually do crafts with Ri now.  Sometimes she doesn't do them quite like I'd hoped, but at least she's interested!  (this one was from Family Fun Magazine)

Happy Saturday ya'll!!!