O, Christmas Tree

We picked out our Christmas tree after we got back from Thanksgiving in Ohio. The girls each picked out an ornament for the tree. They are really into Christmas this year and starting to understand the whole thing. It's really fun!

At Wannemakers picking out our tree

Getting some help from Papa

Helping Daddy give the tree a drink

Ballerina Avery decked out in garland - courtesy of Papa

The finished tree!

Thanksgiving

We trekked to Ohio again this year for Thanksgiving. The girls did surprisingly well in the car. We made one stop both ways at a McDonalds for lunch. There was a play place so they could burn off some energy. As always, Thanksgiving was a whirlwind and a great time to catch up with Matt's family. The girls did lots of crafts with Gramma Ruth and loved playing with Matt's cousin's kids.

Dressing up as a ballerina

Craft time with Gramma Ruth

Turkey hat!

Morgan was very serious about this craft!

Painting turkeys - another fun craft

The girls got to use their new sleeping bags

Can you see the cat? Morgan was obsessed with these poor thing!

Love this little turkey!

And this turkey, too!

Avery said she was a "rockstar"

Lights

We took the girls to the Morton Arboretum light show right before Thanksgiving. The weather was still warm enough and the lights were very pretty! I think their favorite part was the hot apple cider!

Pushing the buttons to change the colors

New toy

Someone is happy to get to use his new toy!

First snow of the year!

The girls were really excited to get out in the snow! We had to go outside Friday night and let them check it out.

And Saturday morning, the first thing Avery said was "is it still snowing?" They begged us to let them play in it, so we got all bundled up! We built a snowman. Then, Avery wanted to build a snow castle. :)

Santa's BFFs

I took the girls to see Santa really early this year to avoid the crowds and waiting in line. Unfortunately, the day we went, they were having issues with the camera and Santa didn't start seeing people until about 45 minutes later than he was supposed to. So, the girls and I walked around the mall and played on the escalators. When we finally got to see Santa, Morgan was beyond excited. She screamed at the top of her lungs "SANTA SANTA SANTA" when she saw him walking towards us. All the other people in line just laughed.

When we got up to the front and had our turn with Santa, Morgan ran right up and gave him a high-five. Avery just stood back and checked him out for a little bit. Typical. Morgan told Santa she wanted a baby doll. Avery told Santa she wanted a big ladder. Um, what? I have no idea where that came from. Even Santa looked at me a little funny. I'm guessing she was the only kid asking for a big ladder for Christmas. Ha!

When we went to take the picture, Morgan hopped on Santa's lap. Avery said she would stand next to him. So, they gave her a little step stool to sit on the floor next to Santa. Ha! The picture was ok... no smiles, but at least they weren't crying.

At home before visiting Santa

Santa gave the girls chocolates

Silly faces!

Waiting patiently

Here it is... Santa Picture 2015!

More leaves

Matt raked up all the leaves in the backyard last weekend. The girls helped and then ran through them, kicked them, buried themselves in them... had a lot of fun!