"Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind." Mary Ellen Chase

And let the season so begin!

I love, love, love this holiday. It is by far my "most favorite time of the year." I don't rush Christmas upon us; let Thanksgiving have its proper place. But--- once the 4th Thursday of November is behind us, the stockings will be hung, the tree will be trimmed, and the smells of cinnamon and pine will be in my home. I want our Christmas season to be so full of memories and traditions for the boys that they will remember this time of the year with as much fondness as I do.

Our first family tradition is to cut down our Christmas Tree. ("Chop, chop, chop, timber!" per Liam) Together with the Standens, we braved the weather, bundled up as best we could, and drove up into the mountains. Thank goodness the rain held off until we tied the tree on our van.

Let's Go! *yes that is a runny nose- it was cold!*