Oh, Christmas Tree 2015

Oh, Christmas tree hunting.  I thought I wasn't going to go anymore.  I wasn't going to go anymore.  I'm probably not going to go anymore.  If it wasn't for Owen LOVING life so much out there in the snow I wouldn't even consider going anymore--but it is so fun to see him so excited that I couldn't pass it up this year.  We went with a pretty big group which helped a lot.  About 100 yards in people were already picking their trees.  But was Joey satisfied?  Not at all.  So he went off with Maurice who had the chainsaw and they were gone for about an hour while we all waited for them to find the "perfect" tree.  People kept saying--I wonder where they are???  I just kept my mouth shut because I knew exactly what was happening out there on their search for the perfect tree.  Been there too many times.  :)

Levi lost it about 15 minutes before they made it back.  It was only fitting, and I almost appreciated it because Christmas tree hunting just wouldn't be the same without a complete melt down by at least one of the boys--or me!  :)  

The crew ready to find those trees!

On the quest for the perfect tree!

Owen leading the way climbing the side of a snow-filled hill

Who needs a sled?

Look at those beautiful icicles!

Thank you for making our Christmas tree hunting complete with your tears Levi.

I can't resist throwing in this picture of Owen in the same snowsuit as Levi, hunting for a tree--back in 2012. 

They're ALIVE!  And they have trees!

There is our beautiful tree!

Hot chocolate after a successful tree hunting excursion!

Just some four year olds sipping hot chocolate and talking about going in the woods looking for pirates...

Who needs a ladder?

Owen was a big helper this year with the ornaments.  All of the ornaments were on one sagging branch, but he did really want to help. 

All of Joey's hard work and searching does pay off--isn't that an amazing tree?

Turkey Day!

We headed down to Colusa for Thanksgiving this year.  Everyone but Eric's family could make it so it was a fun bunch of kids and adults!  It was so fun to see everyone and the food was amazing!  :)

Owen was asked at Preschool what he was thankful for.  Peggy said most kids answered "my parents, my dog, my house, etc."  Owen said he was thankful for peanut butter and jelly.  :)

We woke up to a little snow the day before Thanksgiving!

We get to have hot chocolate when it snows!  Owen told me---"I didn't want the marshmallows in there so I took them out."  I said, that's fine, where did you put them?  He said "in my mouth."  :)

Aunt K brought cookies to decorate into Turkeys!

Playing and hanging out!

Off to the park where Grandma was the monster!

Watch out Kate!  Here she comes!

Cousins!  Calvin, Will, Grace and Clay. 

The beautiful Thanksgiving table!

More playing!

We got to spend the night at Erin and Luke's and got blueberry pancakes and sausage for breakfast!  YUM!

Kessis in Quincy

To kick off the holiday week we got a visit from the Kessi kids, and my mom and Mary!  Owen sat in the window sill waiting for them for the last half hour before they arrived.  When they did get here he went outside screaming, came inside and did some flips on the couch and then went back outside screaming.  Owen's way of saying happy that you are here I guess.  :)  

We had a great day for them to visit--it was cold but sunny!  Today it is rain mixed with snow so I'm thankful that we got to go to the park yesterday and get outside!  :)

Why bother going down a slide when you can go up?!

The boys :)

Levi's first time on a big-kid swing.  He loved it!

Wow--Grace and Kate I think you are going to go over the top!

Group shot!

Fun day at the park!

Someone loves the swing!

Then back home for a little time in the sandbox

This sleeping arrangement didn't actually happen but it was super fun to think about.  They just couldn't stop playing after it was time to go to bed.  :)

Getting Outside

It is so much harder to get outside when it is 30 degrees (or less!) in the morning!  But with a 4 and 2 year old I've found we all go a little crazy if we don't, so my goal is to get outside every day that it isn't pouring down rain.  We've done walks with friends, bikerides, and today we did sledding!  It was beautiful and the boys had a great time.  I'm so lucky to have met other moms that get me outside!  Today I went with a friend who had a baby four days ago.  Clearly I had no excuse to not get outside!  :) 

I've learned a lot from my first winter in the mountains.  If you put gloves on kids that want to make snowballs and dive in the snow--they last a lot longer.  We made it out for an hour with no meltdowns!  Victory!

Walking in a winter wonderland...

This is the Johnsville ski area that they are trying to put a lift on.  It is about a 25 minute drive from Quincy. 

Owen and his friend Jake loving life!

Hop on Jake I'll pull you!

Unlimited snowballs to throw--this guy was in heaven!

Watch out Maurice--Levi's got one coming right at you!

Get them when they aren't looking--on their back--just like I taught him...

Caught him licking the snot off his face...what's new?

#purejoy

Levi's little grin

A few days ago we went biking out at the college.  This happiness was just before both of them totally melted down from the cold.  I now have a rule that you have to wear gloves whether you want to or not.  :)