Afternoon Christmas Parade 2011

 As fun at it was to be on the Mountain Sun float last year (and be on the front page of the newspaper), Annie requested to CHEER for the float this year, ... so we did!

A Christmas Pic that is Sooooooo Annie!

Sweet Sister Pics Between Parades

Morning Christmas Parade 2011

Elf on the Shelf 2011 (First Year)

 Meet Peppermint, our Elf on the Shelf.  After Thanksgiving she appears and moves to another interesting elvin adventure every day.  While at first I was skeptical about adopting such an elf that had absolutely nothing to do with Christ, the kids excitement of seeing her "move" every day became endearing.  If she is touched, she won't move.  As you can see, Peppermint spent her first week with us getting to know our family through our pictures.  Later, the girls were making her pine soup and writing her notes!  Further, what a fun way for Leia to participate in "the magic" when it will (inevitably) end.

Trimming the Christmas Tree 2011

It would NOT be a tree trimming without "pine soup" and the "kitty trees" ... and all of our special ornaments (the ribbon curl around Leia's newborn finger, the "chipmunk cheek bunny," and Annie's new favorite, ... a bird. 

Shoal Creek Tree Farm 2011

 The highlight?  ... riding in the truck bed.  ; )