Let the Christmas Cheer Begin!!!!I

I know it's been a LONG time since I've posted anything on our blog. Everytime I take a picture, the girls ask, "Mom, are you going to post that on the blog?" Well, I thought what better time to start back into it than  with our Christmas activities. Yesterday we cut down our tree. It was 60 degrees outside, so it didn't feel very frightful out, but it was nice to take our time picking the perfect tree. Let me tell you, we got a big one---9 feet tall! We had to trim a little off the top just to get the start to fit. It's beautiful, though, and I love the way it makes the house smell!

The morning began with Christmas Tree pancakes.

Our tree. Grace was standing in a hole. I love this picture because the height differential between she and Olivia is a sore topic with her.

A tired daddy after cutting the tree down.

Olivia is Double Digits!!!

Olivia turned 10 on Friday. I can't believe my baby girl is 10!!! Dan and I are so blessed to have her in our lives. She truly is a light in our lives with her sense of humor, her kindness, and her unending love!!! Grace and Emma could hardly wait to get home from school to decorate for her birthday party here at the house. Olivia chose fondu, hashbrown potatoes, green bean, and asparagus for her special dinner. For her "cake", she wanted ice cream sundae pie made with black raspberry chip ice cream--her favorite!!! Happy 10th, Olivia!!!

The "Birthday Banner" she had to run through!

Notice the posters on the windows.

Drama as usual!

The BIG 4-0!

Dan turned the big 4-0 on the 17th. We had a little birthday party for him here at the house. The girls had a good time spoiling their daddy. I was feeling guilty that I didn't go all out for his 40th, but they did it up right at school with black balloons, a bucket of 40 blow pops that said, "40 Blows", and a 40oz in a brown paper bag!!! All his students had a great time! I think the funniest thing said on his birthday was by his own daughter, Grace. She said to him that morning, "Dad, I'm glad your age is finally catching up to your hair!" ---Oh, you just wait, Grace!!!