Deck the Halls

We broke up with Jones Tree Farm this year - I've been unhappy with the tree selection the last couple of years and to drive an hour each way and be unhappy just didn't seem worth it anymore.  Lee asked around at work and a lot of people recommended Oak Ridge Tree Farm.  It is right near our house, so it was also much easier to squeeze getting a tree into our busy weekend schedule.  We were able to find one that we all liked and brought it home.  It's a bit under-decorated because the tree branches can't hold heavy ornaments, but we like it.  And our friends think we are crazy.....

How about this one, Mom?  Just kidding.... 

This one is Emily sized!! 

Finally found the right one! 

Thank goodness for Lee! 

We need more lights!!! 

One of Lee's friends stopped by after catching a glimpse of our "ridiculous" tree while driving by our house.  This photo gives you a bit of the idea of the size.

Nick: Week Three

Nick found more fun places to hide during his third week at our house!

On Sunday morning, he was in our creche.  

On Monday, he was a Nick-in-the-box! 

On Tuesday, the girls found him with Elizabeth's new favorite series, The Selection, and an ornament with Selection books inside of it!

On Wednesday, it looks like Nick was starting to feel a bit looney! 

On Thursday, he was trying to figure out which of the girls' lip gloss to wear! 

We had a very late night on Thursday - looks like even Nick need a shot of caffeine on Friday morning! 

On Saturday, we found Nick hanging from our kitchen light.  Maybe he is excited that we are going to see the Holiday Cirque Spectacular tonight!

November Odds and Ends

Some photos that didn't make it into November posts:

First cast on Clover. 

Why yes, that is a sorting hat. 

It's tough to be Beau..... 

Who doesn't let a gecko crawl on their head? 

Looking like fall. 

Annual visit to the Yankee Candle flagship store. 

As long as Beau's comfortable....

First time playing goalie in a while.

Magic U11 girls - Turkey Day Shootout. 

Snuggling.

Band & Chorus Concert

The school Band and Chorus Concert was last week.  Elizabeth played both flute and piccolo for Advanced Band, while Emily played saxophone.  Elizabeth also sang in the chorus (next year, Emily will be in the chorus as well).  Advanced Band sounded so good and the chorus was great as well.

7th graders 

Hanna and Emily 

Elizabeth had a solo right at the beginning of That's Christmas to Me.  I missed the first couple of words because I was taken by surprise.

Nick: Week Two

Nick was pretty creative during his second week with us:

It took the girls a long time to find Nick on Sunday,  he was hiding in our new wreath! 

Monday 

Tuesday, he brought the girls some new Snaps, just in time for their school Band & Chorus Concert. 

Wednesday, he hung snowflake lights around their door. 

Thursday, we found him in one of the mini-trees at our house. 

"Mommy, the angel is strangling Nick!"

Saturday morning, the girls found Nick on Elizabeth's desk - he brought gecko earrings!!

SCP Play Day

The CFC 05 girls were invited to participate in a local play day hosted by South Central Premier.  The team played three 1/2 hour games in a giant "bubble" indoor facility.  The three 06 girls on the team started all three games and played very well.  Emily received a lot more playing time than we could have anticipated.  The speed of the 05 game is significantly faster than what they are used to but they had no trouble keeping up with the pace.  We are so proud of our girls!

After the game.

Rylan, Emily and Abby (06 girls) 

Their coach is very serious, but apparently, he cannot dab and he cannot do some other strange dance move (which is hilarious, because the guy played on the U-20 national team).  Every once in a while, you see him trying to do it and the girls all instructing him.  Here are Emily and Abby after the last game and mini dance-off on the field.