Williams Tree Farm '09

Friday we went to Williams Tree Farm to pick out our Christmas tree. It was a fun time as a family. We had hoped to go out and cut down our own tree, but they were too covered in snow to get a good look at them. So we ended up picking one out that was already cut inside. We are really happy with it. We also took Matthew around in his little sled outside and he had a blast as well.

Family pics inside...


Outside sledding, and playing with the horses...

Drinking hot chocolate from his sippy...

Christmas Parties #2 and #3

We had a great time this week going to two more Christmas parties. On Wednesday evening we had our Life Group Christmas Party, and on Friday we went to Ken and Julie Haak's Open House Party. Both were a great time. I think half of Harvest Rockford showed up to the Haak residence...it was a crazy but fun evening!

Life Group Party...


Haak Party: Look at all those shoes! Arianna, Inger, and I at the party...

Helping Daddy Snow Blow

This is what Matthew is talkin' about! Men love heavy equipment that make loud noises, I'm convinced of it...


Just look at that expression...he is loving it!

Snow Play!

Matthew had a blast exploring the first big snow of the year...
Just look at all that snow! Matthew says "hi"!


I've fallen and can't get up! (Christmas Story), Matthew on a big mound of snow...

1st Big Snow '09

Between last night and this morning, we were dumped on with 8+ inches of snow! The roads aren't great but it is sure pretty outside! Here are some pics of all the white stuff...

Christmas Party #1

Last night we had the annual Christmas party at our church. It was a blast. It was so nice that Chris was able to go since he was "on call" but never was used for work. The white elephant gift exchange was hilarious as usual. Chris found a doozy of a gift at Good Will, "Jimmy Swaggart's Christmas Spirit" record from 1978, and a lovely raccoon picture. This was the first of three parties we are going to in a weeks time. Holidays are so fun!

Arianna, Donna, me, and Jennifer

Some cute pics of Chris and I...


The wonderful white elephant gifts, and me enjoying the food...

Christmas Card Photos

We took some quick family photos this morning for our Christmas card. Many thanks to my sister-in-law Cathy for stopping by on her way to work to take them for us! I had to get in on all the great deals at Shutterfly that end in the next day or so, and it is always good to get your Christmas cards done as early as possible, that way you can enjoy the holidays more!

These are some of the pics I used for our card...

This is how the majority of the pics went...tough with a 21 month old! Love how Chris is standing in the back like a statue...had to put the "santa" hat on him for fun...