Early December

Sorry for not posting in a while.  Feels like it's been forever.  This post has a little of everything from the past few weeks.

The day after Thanksgiving we decorated our house for Christmas.  We love getting it all done that Friday and being able to enjoy it for the rest of the season.  Rachel and Jackson both helped Michael put the ornaments on our tree. 

  

We surprised the kids with a little pre-lit tree for both of their rooms this year as well. (We bought them on sale after Christmas last year)  They enjoyed making a few ornaments to put on them as well as picking out a few more.  Here are the kids with their trees.  Note:  This is what Jackson does half the time now when you ask him to smile for a picture.  Ha!

  

One morning before church...Rachel loved that black outfit.  

Last Friday night we went to see Santa.   It happened to be one of those warm days which made it nicer because we didn't have to bundle up like we usually do.  And it wasn't crowded yet so basically we just walked right in.  And no hesitation from either of them about sitting on Santa's lap this time.  I guess we're finally past that part!  

Rachel had written her list of what she wanted...here she is reading it to Santa.  

Jackson thinks he's supposed to ask for candy from Santa because Santa always gives them a candy cane before they leave...

  

Also last weekend, my dad and Debbie came down for a short visit.  Grandpa had a direct dial line to Santa on his phone and Jackson called it over and over and over... he loved hearing Santa talk!

Last night was my office Christmas party and Service Awards Dinner combined.  Unfortunately, it was on the same night as Rachel's Father-Daughter dance at her school.  So, Michael wasn't able to come with me (he was rather disappointed).  I had to leave earlier so the kids weren't ready yet.  (Side note:  if you want Jackson to smile for a picture, don't try to take one of him... if you don't want him in the picture, he'll want to be in it!)

Michael got Rachel ready and snapped a few pictures before taking Jackson next door to Sherry's house for little time they were gone.  Jackson loved being over there with them!  

Christmas is in ten days... I'm sure we'll have more pictures soon!  Merry Christmas!!