Oh, Christmas Tree

We took advantage of the unseasonably balmy weather in early December to sneak out to Timbuk Tree Farm on a Wednesday afternoon and hunt the perfect tree.  

Will lobbied heavily for a White Pine this year and, after our experience with the beautiful but prickly Blue Spruce last year, we were all wooed by the soft, fluffy needles of the White Pine.

The guys thought they had found the perfect tree right off, but were disappointed to learn they had selected a wild 40 foot tree on the property (a la Griswold Family Christmas) and not a rationally sized farm tree.  

Together we found a lovely fluffy tree and transported it home strapped to the top of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster (a la Griswold Family Christmas).

Santa Train

After the parade we were off to ride the Santa Train.  This must be the fourth or fifth year we've made the trip.

We're getting a lot of face time with Santa this year.   So far no one has asked why Santa looks slightly different every time we see him.  I'm hoping it doesn't matter- Santa is Santa, right? As long as he's packing candy canes.

This was my attempt at artsy chistmas-decoration-on-the-train photo

Are We in Bedford Falls?

Nothing like a small town Christmas parade to get you in the spirit.  We bundled up and ventured out early to get a good spot along the parade route.  My grandma had possibly the best spot- she can watch the parade out her kitchen window.  Since my cousin was performing with her dance troupe, we wanted to make sure she could hear us cheering her on.  

One veterans' group, one high school marching band, several church-sponsored nativity scenes, possibly every emergency vehicle in the county, and- oh- a jolly Santa waving from his sleigh later, we were ready to start our Christmas season.

Mmmmmm Men Fry Turkey

My brother, Ed, is a police officer in Maryland and he had to work on Thanksgiving Day.  

So, while other people were tazing each other in the aisles of WalMart on Black Friday, we were having our Thanksgiving.  Ed had his heart set on frying a turkey so the men of the family pretty much handled the main course of our Thanksgiving feast.  

They seemed to enjoy bonding over beers and boiling oil in the backyard.

I'm going to call fried turkey a success.  It smelled like potato chips and tasted (to quote Soren) 
Too Licious!

Yes, Virginia

There has been some idle chatter around our house recently about Santa not being real (gasp).

Santa's elves must have reported to him because he paid us a surprise visit!

He did the typical Santa things like asking the boys if they had been naughty or nice, finding out what toys were on their Christmas lists and reminding them to be good for mom and dad.  

He also read them 'Twas The Night Before Christmas', told some jokes and asked them to remember that Christmas is also the birth of Our Lord.

I think we managed to prolong the belief a little while longer in the Magic and Wonder.

Thank You, Santa!
(It was priceless to hear Soren shouting, "It's Santa! Santa Claus is here!") 

Random Pumpkin Love

Some random pictures from our Halloween season

Pedals, Pipes and Scary Music

Will has always been fascinated by pipe organs.  In October, he got the opportunity to attend a program at a local church where he learned all about pipe organs and even got to play one!  

What a thrill!

Now he is sure we need one.  

In our house.  

He has already scoped out the front hall as a place for the big pipes.  

Keep dreamin', kiddo.