Tree decorating

I've always loved the "decorated" part of Christmas much more than the "decorating" part of Christmas, but decorating with kids gives it a new meaning. (Read: there is surely lots of "is it time now?", several broken ornaments, an overly watered tree, large clusters of ornaments in the same areas, etc.) But still, the process is more what they look forward to. We have somehow added a new tree each year and this year we've ended up with 4. The big kids got to help decorate them and were so proud! The outside lights haven't made it up yet, but we are ok with that, for now ;)

And we celebrated our decoration completion by watching "The Grinch" with chocolate milk, popcorn and candy canes. (Side note: that completely counts  as a balanced dinner, right?! No?! Well, then I'll take the "cool mom" award for the night!)

And the felt tree...

Christmas Tree Farm

I'm sure I say this every year, but this year really was my favorite trip to the Christmas tree farm. They weren't open to the public, but we sweet enough to open for us, and a few other families, to be able to keep up our tradition. So we pretty much had the place to ourselves. We got to run around in the trees and Porter got to help tie up the trees. He was elated. We all found the perfect trees and made some sweet new memories. Then we headed to the Daniel Boone Inn for a late lunch. Delicious food (and way too much of it!) and great company! 

And you know it's a successful trip when...

The Christmas Parade

Every year Sean or I have taken some combination of parents/children to the Christmas parade. This year we decided to brave it and took everyone. Aunt Jesse came also, as well as the Mills family. We got great seats and everyone did so well. Sullivan had to walk around some towards the end but for 5 kids all under 5, going on 3+ hours, ready for lunch, no naps and quite chilly, I think we did awesome! It was so fun seeing their sweet faces. Savannah, Sawyer and Porter wanted to see princesses, drummers and horses (in that order) and they all saw what they wanted. I think we've made a new tradition!! 

Santa at the Biltmore House

We absolutely couldn't wait any longer to begin our Christmas festivities, so this weekend we took the kids to the Biltmore House to hear carolers, see Santa and play at the park. Porter said ahead of time that he planned to sit alone with Santa, and he did! This was a big step for him! He also told Santa he wants a turkey for Christmas. Umm, no thanks Santa! The little 2 weren't quite as brave, so I got to sit with Santa also :) We also got to enjoy some time at the park. And can I just say I love that the Biltmore House is as ready for Christmas as I am? 

 

Date with Porter

Today Porter and I got to sneak out alone for a date. We went to a local aquarium, to get ice cream and to the toy store. Having 3 babes so young and close in age makes alone with with 1 so precious! My favorite quotes for the day...

P: Mom, I bet you're so glad I brought you on a date!

P: Mom, if you ask Dad to take you on a date and he can't, I will always take you. 

P: Mom, if it's fine with you, I'd love to take you to the toy store, but you'll have to kiss me first. 

P: (heard girls screaming) I guess they just got bit by a wolf or something. 

(Watching him swivel around on the bar stool in the ice cream shop, instantly made me a 7 year old again!)

My Porter, one day you will make one lucky woman very happy. You have a heart of gold sweet boy!

Tree Raising

Today Mom and I started what I hope will be a new yearly tradition. We took the kids to watch Santa come in on a horse drawn carriage with the big Christmas tree for the Biltmore House. And while we drastically underestimated the traffic, made the mistake of foregoing the stroller and wore way too many layers, it was still a lot of fun and we will definitely do it again.