It's beginning to look alot like Christmas. . .

So if you know me well, you know that we always put up our Christmas decorations 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Not because we are not thankful or do not appreciate the Thanksgiving Holiday (and everything it stands for), but more because of the less stress factor. We go all around on Thanksgiving weekend, so it is just easier for us to decorate when we can. The first few years we were married, we went to what seemed like 50 different places. Now that we have minimized the chaos its not as hectic, but decorating early has just become tradition for our family. So, YES we have our tree up, and YES we have lights up outside too.  Here are a few of the pictures.

                                  Outside!!      Chris did a great job this year!!

                                                 Our Christmas tree!!

We have so many special ornaments on our tree from throughout the years we have been married. These are really sentimental to me because it helps me to remember the things that our kids were into or what their personalities were like during each year they were added to our tree. This year I am wanting to add a soccer girl for Shaylin (because it was her first year to play) and Batman or some other hero ornament for Elijah. . . he likes playing "Super Heros"!!  So if anyone sees a cute one please let me know where you found it!!
We usually go to Silver Dollar City at Christmas time and that is where I pick up a lot of our personalized ornaments!! But I'm thinking the Batman one may be a little bit of a challenge!! Who knows, maybe I will get lucky and it will be a piece of cake!!  Here are a few of my favorites so far!!

                                       Family ornament for 2008.

                         This was one of the very first. I think from 2001.

                               Shaylin was really into dressing up this year!!

              Elijah used to be into Tractors MAJOR!! They grow up way to fast!

Well, the next few weeks will be busy for us as well as everyone else I'm sure. I will do my best to post fun events that the holidays bring for our family. But until then. . .  We wish EVERYONE a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!