Usually we go and cut our own Christmas tree down; I do really love this tradition. However, with the babies having a wee bit of a cold and life being generally chaotic we opted this year to get one from a boy-scout troop that was selling them by the side of the main road. We'll resume the tradition next year. We payed a little more than we normally do when we cut it ourselves, but really it was still VERY cheap and the tree is quite beautiful. I justified spending a little more in knowing the money was going to a good cause.
We also started the tradition of getting our tree the day after Thanksgiving. This may be a little early for some, but really I just can't get enough of a Christmas tree and all the gorgeous wee sparkly lights, so the longer we can have it up the better! This year Liz drove out from Wyoming to spend Thanksgiving with us...she was actually here last year too. Chris had to work the day after and so it didn't seem worth it for him to come. The boys absolutely loved decorating the tree, although Peter got a wee bit crazy and kept taking the baubles off to then re-put them back on..and off and on again.
After Ryan helped Jack top the tree off with the star, we attempted to take some family pics in front of the tree for the calendar I make every year. It was a bit of a nightmare. We ended the night keeping up Ryan's family's tradition of eating donuts and having hot chocolate..completely delish.
My mum sent the boys 2 Advent calendars each! Lucky devils. They have been in chocolate heaven every morning after finishing their breakfast at lightening speed as to get to their chocolate faster. We also have a felt one I purchased from a friend of mine in our ward who makes them. The wee ones can hardly contain themselves as they count down the days. Jack is way more excited than ever and very concerned that the elves might be watching and tell Santa if he isn't behaving. Unfortunately, he still fights with his brother. It only after he's got a few good punches in that he starts to panic slightly that Santa might find out.
We went to Ryan's work party on the 3rd. It's always at the Lake Oswego golf club, which is pretty fancy. The food is incredible and Santa pays a visit giving all the kiddos a really nice gift. In previous years Ryan has asked Jack a month ahead of time if he's going to sit on Santa's knee. Of course, like the vast majority of children Jack has always been terrified and wouldn't go near him. We didn't push him at all and either Ryan or myself would collect his gift. This year Ryan again asked if Jack was planning on sitting with Santa to receive his gift. Jack was adamant that he wouldn't be sitting, but that he would go up and collect it. That seemed like huge progress to me! After watching a few older children sit with Santa, Jack seemed to be getting nervous that Santa had forgotten about him. He suddenly stood up and starting raising his hand and trying to make eye contact with Santa to let him know he was still waiting..it was so funny.
Then Peter's name was called. Ryan and I could not believe our eyes when we saw Pete literally launch himself right onto Santa's knee. He only stayed for about a second...long enough to claim his gift and then he was off-ski! It was hysterical. Jack was called next and guess what?! He also thew himself onto Santa's knee! I guess he wasn't to be outdone by his wee brother! They both got great batman toys and immediately wanted to go home right away after Santa left:)
