Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays! We had a busy Thanksgiving pulling a first for our family- we celebrated with both sides of the family the same day (meaning we ate twice and still feel full!) Our first stop was Grandma Carla and Grandpa Jamie's house. We had Thanksgiving lunch with Mommy's siblings and Grandma (Grandpa is working over in Africa). We did pretty good with a grandchild attempt at a photo, yay for us!
Our next stop was to Uncle Ben and Auntie Erin's house just 30 minutes away. We celebrated with Grammy and Daddy's siblings. The kids drank kid-friendly champagne- cheers!
Cooper was amazed with Auntie Erin and Uncle Ben's spread (Auntie Erin is an amazing cook) and Uncle Ben made his first turkey on their green egg (DELICIOUS!)
After our 2nd feast, we were surprised with PJ's from Grammy. She was so excited to find 5 pairs of pajamas for all of us (which is not easy as Kyra is almost 12 years old and Emmett just turned 1). We attempted many pictures; this time it wasn't so easy, but we got a few that turned out adorable.
We danced away some energy and calories, Emmett joined the fun (he is taking steps and most likely will be walking at Christmas!)
Auntie Erin made a pumpkin bundt cake with carrot cake inside- YUMMY! It was the nail in the coffin after a full day of eating, but it was worth it before we attempted to settle down for bedtime.
The next day the girls went shopping (Mommy met her family at the Mall of America, and no, it wasn't that crazy). When she returned, Grammy, Auntie Erin and Mom went to a favorite shop nearby and they officially declared the day a success.
The holiday spirit continued the next day. We returned home and in the morning, it was off to the tree farm to find the perfect tree. Grammy met us at Pleasant Valley and it was beautiful outside. We enjoyed the 35+ weather, sunny skies and wagon ride out to the acres of trees. We chose a balsam tree~ it always takes long as Mom is very picky :)
We found the tree and enjoyed seeing it crash to the ground as Daddy honed his lumberjack skills.
We stopped to see Santa and Mrs. Claus in their cabin. I told Santa that I wanted a space shuttle toy (this was news to my parents) and Cooper asked for a motorcycle toy (also something new they didn't know about). Santa and Mrs. Claus were so sweet and patient with us. We received a candy cane and before we left, I asked Santa to please send David (our elf) back to our house. He said he would check and see if David got all of his work done.... wait until you see our next post :)
Once we were home and the tree was up, we decorated it. Our real tree has many special ornaments but in general is our hodge podge tree. It has ornaments from when our parents were growing up, ornaments of ours (Cooper and I receive new ones each year as gifts) and then of course, just favorite ornaments we have picked up along the way.
Our dining room tree is a special one too- it has Swarovski crystal ornaments from Great Grandpa Jim and Papa. We added some gold flare and it is more of a theme tree.
My favorite ornament is the Swarovski cow that I received last year- Papa thought it was perfect for us WI boys :)
Mommy took a quiet photo of just the two of them once Cooper and I went to bed. She loves the Christmas season- the hustle, stress, shopping, gift giving, cookies/baking, parties, David our elf, and all the many joys that make the spirit bright. We hope you enjoy this holiday season too!
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