December

December just kind of snuck up on us this year.
I'm sitting here regretfully thinking about all the stuff I wanted to do, but never did.
In a way it simplified an already stressful month, but I am sad that I didn't get around to doing our Jesse Tree this year.
Or our Advent Calender.
Or the shoes by the door.
And the list goes on....

Here's what we DID do though.
We picked out a great tree...and Rich made the kids cut it down.
With a saw.
{everyone survived}

We decorated the tree.
And only broke a few ornaments.
{nobody cried}

Noll the Elf came back and managed to hide in a different place each night.

{barely}

We wrote letters to Santa of all our Christmas wishes...

I crafted a bunch of gifts while my kids each took turns throwing up with yet another stomach flu.
{yes this makes 5 bouts in 2013}

We drove around with the cousins and looked at lights.

We flexed our muscles while hanging lights on the house...and then pretended to fall off the ladder. 

{it's always funny to me}

We got the obligatory picture in Christmas outfits.

We got one good picture with Santa. 

We celebrated Christmas with family, over and over and over again.

We enjoyed the awesome weather, full bellies, warm beds, a cozy house, and the joyous celebration of Jesus' birth.

And I guess that's really all that matters!