Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree....

I LOVE decorating for Christmas! It is one of my favorite times of the year. We were married in November, so Christmas decorations were one of the first things we bought as a married couple. I remember having SOOO much fun going different places together and choosing ornaments and decorations. Every year when we pull our decorations down, it brings back such wonderful memories.

This year we were able to decorate the weekend of Thanksgiving. Since my parents were in town they watched the boys while we got down our Christmas decorations and began to assemble our tree. Yes, our tree is artificial. I never lived in a house where we had an artificial tree, and I never thought I would, but I must say I have enjoyed it! It's nice not having pine needles to sweep up and a tree to slither under to water. We will have a time where real trees will be welcomed into our home. I know the boys will love helping to pick one out.

This first picture is our advent wreath. Andy's mom gifted it to us our first Christmas. There are daily or weekly readings that you can do as a family, that help to prepare your hearts for the upcoming celebration. It tells the story of Jesus' birth. We enjoy lighting our candles as a family each Sunday night. Andy will read the scriptures and then we have a time of singing a few Christmas carols. It's a treasured time for sure.

This is a picture of Knox seeing the tree for the first time. Although the quality of the picture isn't the greatest, hopefully you can see the excitement on his face.

Drew and mommy taking a picture break!

Here are the boys figuring out how to turn the Christmas lights on and off. Both Drew and Knox are able to do this task for me when we leave the house or arrive home.

Drew decorating

We try to buy an ornament each year for the boys that best represents their interests. One day I will pack them up and send them to their own homes. (sniff, sniff) Unless they plan on living with us forever, which Drew says, and is fine with me!

Drew received a Transformer ornament. He saw a transformer book at Barnes and Noble one day and ever since has been very into them.

Knox received a dog for his ornament. He loves animals, particularly dogs, which our dog isn't thrilled with. Wherever we are if he sees a dog, he laughs and gets excited!

Here are their ornaments on the tree.

Decorating

Here is our finished tree and mantle. We used to have a lighted garland on the mantle, but it didn't work this year, and neither Andy or I have been motivated enough to figure out the problem.

We hope all of you are enjoying this Christmas season!