we "griswold-ed" it

I have often talked about Griswold-type road trips with our kids in our "family truckster" complete with crazy kids and Clark-type freak outs by either Carl and/or I. Well folks, we did it again. Maybe not in every way, but in our own Adolphson-type way.

Carl and I both grew up having real Christmas trees. But about 5 years ago, we totally copped out and bought ourselves a pre-lit fake tree. I was bummed, but I couldn't argue that it would be an easy and convenient option (not to mention cheaper). Year after year we would pull it down from storage and set it up. It was still fun, but it just wasn't the same.

This year, I found a cute little tree farm to take photography clients to for holiday themed photo sessions.  Once I was there, I was hooked. That fake tree wasn't going to see the light of day this year!

My family didn't really share my enthusiasm about the tree farm.  Why would they? Even Jocie couldn't remember a Christmas seasons when we had a real tree. But once we pulled into the farm, they got excited too.

When we pulled in, we were greeted by a lovely lady who handed us a map of the farm and a saw. We decided to get the lay of the land first by driving around to see what types of trees they had to offer. Then we took off on foot to find "the one".

Claire wanted this one. Ella didn't agree.

 

 

 

Could this be the one? Maybe. We kept looking . . .

 

 

She didn't care for the "pokies". They really made her mad.

Then . . . there it was. And she was a beaut Clark, I real beaut.

Whoops, wrong family.

She (or he?) was perfect! Not too big for our house, yet not too small. Not too thin or too fat. She was a keeper.

 



 Mr. Adolphson had to teach his class about how to tell the age of trees . . . we learned our tree was 13

 

So we threw her up on top of the 'ol family truckster and headed into the gift shop for some hot chocolate and Christmas sausage while our tree was shook, bagged and strapped to the van.

We had an awesome time! I'm excited to add this trip annually.

 

 

 

And now . . . drum roll please . . .

TA-DA! We got her all lit up (in a non-drunk way)!

 

 

Carter even took a break from his evening screaming to take in all of it's beauty

Cheers to a very happy Christmas Season!

thankful

In true one-week-behind style . . . Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving here at our home with our own little (or perhaps, not so little) family. Since we have been traveling a lot the past two weeks, we decided on a travel-free holiday.

When people think Thanksgiving, they think food, football and family. To tackle the first "f"on the list, I rushed into Coborn's at 10:30 on Wednesday night (procrastinate much??). As a was flying into the store, I hastily grabbed a cart and noticed an advertisement for "a complete, fully cooked Thanksgiving meal" available at the deli for $69.99, and I immediately thought, "If it weren't so expensive, I would totally do that!" For the last three years we've had Thanksgiving at home, and let me tell you, it's hard to pull a massive meal like that together all on your own! Usually, other family members that come provide apps, side dishes and desserts! Anyway, I did my shopping and got everything on my list. I went to the checkout and was shocked when I saw my total . . . of $98!! What the heck!! Next year, I will be doing my last minute shopping at the Coborn's DELI.

I am happy to report that for the most part, we had a relaxing day. I pulled off a traditional Thanksgiving meal of Turkey, (real) mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberries and rolls with pumpkin pie (which I bought), brownies and ice cream for dessert. The kids and Carl had a carefree morning which trickled into the afternoon. It was very low key.

Our app spread . . . nothing fancy, but it fit the bill

This year we had a 16 pound Butterball . . . and a 7.5 pound turkey :)

During dinner, we always ask the kids what they are thankful for. Here were their responses:

Jocie - Basketball
Ella - our house and our family
Claire - treats (dad.....this was sponsored in part by you and 3 Musketeers!)

Later on we were excited to see snow outside our window. And not just any snow. HUGE flakes that were floating down from the sky. As they fell, I could almost hear the words "Welcome to the Christmas Season" being whispered in the breeze. We just had to go and freak out in it :)

didn't know what to do, she was so excited

...so she just decided to do a little dance and throw up a gang sign or two :)

not so sure . . .

then okay with it

Of course, we have many things to be thankful for. Sometimes it's hard to remember them on a day-to-day basis. It's easy to get caught up in self pity. But the fact of the matter is - We have a wonderful family (immediate and extended), we ALL have our health, we have a house to live in, jobs to help us pay for the things we NEED and great friendships that help us get through rocky moments. Who could ask for anything more? (truth - I can on most days . . . if we could just take my job out of the equation so I could stay home with Carter and Claire (and not minus any of the money that comes from said job), move our house to a different location and then renovate it complete with a photography studio/shooting space, and take 10 pounds off my body, I'd be one happy mama - - What?!  I'm just sayin'.)

In all honesty, the thing I am most thankful for is the time I have had at home with my kids. Yes, I would like it to be more permanent, and yes, I am starting to get sad thinking about having to drop them off at daycare everyday before heading off to work for 8 hours of every workday, but I AM thankful for the time I have had and will have for the next month. It's more than most "working mothers" get. And for that, I am thankful.

birthday get-a-way

 Last weekend we packed up the van and headed to Thumper Pond outside Furgus Falls to celebrate Grandpa Dwaine's 60th birthday. Thumper Pond is a hotel resort with a water park right inside, so the kids were super pumped about the trip!

The first thing we did was have Carter meet Austin, our new nephew! He was born just 3 weeks after Carter, and because our lives have been so crazy since the boys have been born, we haven't had a chance to get these two together. I think it's pretty safe to say that these little guys love each other already (except for the time Carter made Austin cry....because he was crying....shocker).

 ....already holding hands :)



 Austin showing us his Tummy Time skills

The girls had a lot of fun at the water park and also at the arcade. I wasn't able to witness any of this fun because I was with Carter in the room while he napped (and I got a chance to read my book....in the sweet, sweet silence), but the girls brought me back some proof :)

When everyone laid down to take a nap, I headed out for a little nature walk. Carter had been pretty "vocal", and I needed a little peace.

Then came time for a family picture.  With everyones busy lives, it's not often that everyone is all in the same place. Of course large family photos can be a challange . . .

(notice everyone wondering if they are in the right place, Carter screaming, Darin photo-bombing :), and Ella's face)

 

But like champs, everyone was able to get it together and we got the shot :)

Here are a few more random candids from the birthday dinner

Wish I could have gotten a few more pictures, but little man was a tad demanding. Thanks everyone for the fun time!