Christmas is almost here.

The Christmas festivities started a few weeks ago when we got our lights up on the house and our Christmas tree all decorated. We went out to get a Christmas tree on one cold and wet Saturday night. Home Depot sets up Christmas trees at a vacant lot nearby and it's the best (still the best kept secret). It means we don't have to fight the crowds at Home Depot and the trees are all untied and set up to look at. It makes the process go so much faster. We were in and out of there in no time and still had time to take pictures.

 Tim and Terra

 Trent looking cold.

 Me and the kids.

Family picture with our Christmas tree.

Next up on the do to list is pictures with Santa. This time Tim shared in the joy of waiting in line for Santa on a Saturday night at the mall.  It probably wasn't the smartest time choice, but hey what gets you in the Christmas mood more than the hustle and bustle of the mall at Christmas time.

 Trent and I passed some time while waiting in line by making funny faces.

Cute picture. I told Trent don't worry about Terra just look at the camera and smile...and he did. Terra looks so serious, which is so her. 

Having a girl has opened up a whole new shopping experience for me, not that I needed another excuse to shop, but seriously little girl clothes are so cute. So, Terra has a few Christmas outfits, which she has happily worn at church these last two Sundays.

 They both are looking at the camera, it's a Christmas miracle.

 Fuchsia and gold how could you go wrong?

  All smiles.

Family Pictures

We did a fun mini session with Carie in October. Since I like to plan ahead, I was planning on using these pictures for our Christmas card, so I was excited to see what we would get.

 Our little cowboy.

 Family of 4

Cowboy boots and all...

 Love his smile with braces.

 My cuties

 Love this picture of me and Tim

 Terra had an outfit change...into her cute jean jacket.

 This boy definitely stole the shoot.  So handsome in his cowboy hat.

The pictures turned out great and some of them went on our Christmas card. I love our cowboy theme because it fits who we are at this point in our lives. Trent loves listening to and playing country music and I just love it and him.

The Dancin' Terra

Terra got a birthday balloon that when you shake it sings Happy Birthday. She loves it and when the music starts she starts showing off her moves.

Terra playing with the birthday balloon.

We caught Terra in the act.  Check out her moves.

Lake Arrowhead

On the rainy Black Friday we headed up to Lake Arrowhead for the day.  

 A day later Terra cooperates and I get this gem. I love her eyes.

Up the hill from Tim's parents cabin there is a tire swing, tree house and slide for anyone to use. Trent loved the tire swing.

 HIGHER!

 The rain stopped and it was a beautiful crisp day.

I love this boy.

 Don't get between a boy and his cap gun. He loved walking around shooting his gun.

 Beautiful.

 Zinnia enjoying the walk and fresh air.

Bundled up for the walk.

 Everyone except Tim, John and Trent went back to the warm cabin. The three of them went for a little hike and saw a beautiful skyline.

 
 Papa, Trent and Copper

 

Thanksgiving

We tried to get some cute pictures of the kids on Thanksgiving...here is what we got.

 Picture 1 of many of Terra not looking at the camera.

 Love the shadow on Trent's face from his hat...NOT!

The one time that Trent seems to be looking at the camera and smiling and I can't see it because of the shadow.

 Terra deciding to sit down...great!

 Terra telling someone their business.

 Take 2.  It didn't go much better, but at least I can see Trent's face.

 They look so happy.

 Terra is on the edge of nuttiness.

 Love Trent's smile.

 Closer to the edge.

 

And the meltdown begins.