Mr. Tootles, a Tree and a Festival.

Christmas season is in full swing over here! The house is decorated, the kids are writing lists of wishes, Dan's got the ipod going 24-7 with Christmas music and I've made two batches of ginger snaps already. :) Oh, and this year we have a new tradition. The Christmas Elf is visiting our house. If you haven't heard of the Elf on the Shelf, it is such a fun idea! Your elf can stop by after Thanksgiving and every night he returns to Santa to give a report of how the kids are behaving. He returns each night and hides in a new spot. It's a simple little thing, but the kids really love it and spend lots of times talking to him and trying to be extra good. They aren't allowed to touch him, but they can give him messages for Santa. :) It's been a lot of fun. (Thanks Dia!)

Our elf is names, ehem...Mr. Tootles Skyler John Holidays. The kids had a hard time choosing just one name. :)

I am about done with my hardest semester yet. A week from Tuesday I will be able to relax and enjoy the holiday's a little more! I am really looking forward to the break. I think my kids are too. I'm so grateful to them and Dan for being so supportive. I honestly couldn't have done it without them. Okay, here are some pictures, the first of course, is Mr. Tootles, the rest from the tree. Have a great week everyone!

He looks a little creepy to me. :)

Also, we made it down to Bridgestreet this weekend to take a few pics of a good friend and see the big tree! I had to snap a few of my own. I love kids, they really put the magic in the holidays. Everything is so exciting and fun.

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She's getting some hair!

Logan made me take this shot. It is of the inside of the tree.

Just a few leaves left!

Some tough-guy poses. Gotta have those! :)

Finally, our church is having their annual Christmas Festival this coming weekend. I really recommend it to all of you!! They have nightly concerts, pictures, trees, nativities, a beautiful live nativity and it really carries the spirit of Christmas! It is also free. Hope to see some of you there! Here's the invite.