O Christmas Tree

We went and got our tree last weekend. We were watching one of Spencer's friends (also named Spencer) for the day, so he got to join in the festivities.

My man, doing the manly work of chopping down the tree!

To me, Skyler looks so grown up in this picture. What is happening?!

Stake Nativity

The Salem Stake Nativity Festival was last weekend and was a huge success. Kyle served on the security/set-up committee and spent every night last week at the Stake Center. But they had over 5,000 people attend, with many from the community, and tons of local musical groups perform. The live nativity was new this year and was a huge hit, too. (The camel was probably the favorite!)

It was cold outside!

We went again with the Richard's and Godfrey's, then went out to ice cream afterward. It was a lot of fun. It's hard to believe our kids have been playing together for over five years now. Kylene, Zach and Kimball have known one another since Kylene was nine months old. Here are five of the nine of our crew at the Nativity. They are growing up!

A Long Time Ago...

And you thought you were behind on your blogging! I'd spare you the "month ago" details, but if it's going to be in the blog book, it's got to go on the blog! So, here's the finish to our Halloween festivities:).

We had our friend's, The Browns, over for pumpkin carving fun! We made homemade pizzas then moved to the garage for the dirty work. We hope it becomes a tradition!

(Note: we have two good friends named the Browns. Lucky us! These are Wayne & Shauna, and family, who in our ward.)

Here's the finished products, in the light and the dark. Joy!

Our ward held a Halloween carnival/Chili cook-off on Saturday evening. (It seems like every ward did this year!) Here we are before the fun began. I can't decide whether my favorite is the cute giraffe or the pouting bunny! Tee hee.

Christmas Traditions, Part 3

TRADITION: White Elephant Christmas Party with the Godfrey's & Richards.

Here are the kids getting ready to do their gift exchange. I didn't get a picture of the cool, "I went to the Godfrey's White Elephant Party and all I got was this shirt" shirt I "won" at last year's party then re-gifted this year, but we had a good time laughing and eating, as always!

Kimball, Zach & Kylene have been buddies since they were about nine months old. It's so fun to see how much they have grown!
TRADITION: Salem's Festival of Lights Parade

Even though it's usually freezing, and sometimes raining, we love going to the parade with the Godfrey's and Richards. We found a great street near a restaurant (okay, it's a bar) that gives out free hot cocoa that we can enjoy during the parade.

The gang.

Can you spy Santa on top?

Trying to keep my sweet lil' guy warm. TRADITION: Go see Santa Claus!

For the last several years, we have visited Santa in his little house that a law firm in Salem has in their parking lot. They decorate all the offices around them with lights. Kylene loves that Santa gives the "big" candy canes.

This year she walked unworriedly up, hopped on his lap, and snuggled in to him. Spencer, on the other hand, was still a little bit wierded out by the whole concept and nervously scooted toward him just close enough to be able to grab a candy cane from his hand. (Oh, the lure of candy!) Skyler didn't know what to think, except that he didn't know this funny looking man!

TRADITION: Go see the Christmas lights in Keizer.

I forgot to get any pictures of the actual lights as we drove through the neighborhoods, but here is a picture of Kylene & Spencer immediately following.

I really didn't realize we have so many Christmas traditions until I started blogging about them. It is so fun to feel the joy and excitement each of these events brings to my kids. It makes it all the more special!

Christmas Traditions, Part 2

TRADITION: Decorating the tree.

Of course, decorating the Christmas tree is a yearly tradition. After leaving it in our garage for a few days (to let all the little spiders crawl off), we brought it in and decorated it for Family Night. The kids loved it and the decorating job proves it. Here are a few photos from the evening:

Another "man" job at our house. Is that just in my family, or do most people have the man put the lights on the tree? Why is that? My dad always did it growing up and Kyle has always done it since we've been married.

The angel placing the angel on top.

Spencer in front of the finished product. (At least until the next morning when they totally rearranged all the ornaments again!) :)

TRADITION: Advent Calendar

Each year the calendar(s) is a little bit different. This year, we are doing a cute little tootsie roll one Kyle's sister, Christine, gave to us and a "Christmas Around the World" one from the LDS Friend magazine. Very simple...just the way we like things around here.