Putting Up Christmas (not sure why I'm still calling it this :) )

Someone used to call it "putting up Christmas" when we put up our tree and decorations, but I think it's been a while since they did, and I can't even remember who it was, but I like it :).  So I'm using it again this year :).

We had our FHE where we put up the tree!!  Worked out perfectly that Erika was the lesson because she's been anxious for us to do so.  It went well.  We really have a good system now.  The kids did so good at being careful and patient as we did one ornament at a time since they were a little tangled up in the box.  No matter how hard I try, I can't pack them in a way that they don't do this!  We did have a few casualties, Luke's "first Christmas" ornament bit the dust.  Or more specifically, the knot in the top of the string came out, and it fell and shattered the little snow globe.  It was pretty devastating.  Luke looked mortified.  I don't know if I've seen him that sad without tears.  I think he was trying to keep his cool.  It was so sad.  I think we salvaged enough of it, it still is pretty cute, just lacking the cool snow globe-ness.  I tried to contact Precious Moments, but they don't make new baby 2006 ornaments anymore apparently (go figure).  I was bummed.  But I guess that's life.  And really, it was bound to happen one year or another.  Just sad.  I still need to get a picture of all of them with their ornaments.  We didn't have Jack's yet, so I waited.  Hopefully I remember before the year is over.

It was a fun evening filled with memories and traditions.  I love it!  I got lazy (and a little busy) so I passed the camera off onto everyone else to get pictures.  They turned out pretty cute!  I'm glad I can rely on them for this sometimes!

These two just look so grown up in this picture, decorating the tree all on their own!  My babies are growing up too fast!!

Speaking of babies growing up!!  She's gorgeous!!

Some of Grandma Mottishaw's ornaments!  Love them.

Kelly the star :)  Such a beautiful little lady!

I love having a picture of Bradley's bracelets.  He has been wearing these since the parade on the 24th of July!!

Bradley pointed out that the next time it's his turn to put the angel on top, he will be 12!!!  And he had to rub it in my face that he probably won't even need help, he'll just be able to stick up there :).  CRAZY!!  I swear that kid is too young to be 12 in four years!

And handsome too :)

I think Nate likes it when we have a baby for him to hold, this time of year :).  He gets to just sit back and watch :).  (after putting the tree up of course... that's his special job :) )

The Holiday Specs... and thank you Charity Manwaring for more!  These are so fun!  I think the kids were going for a "Mom's making us take this picture again, let's look like we don't love it" look.  Not sure.

We wanted to see what the camera flash looked like through them:)

Jack-jack refused to wear the specs.  He was annoyed that I interrupted his nap too.

Erika's first time putting the angel on the tree!  She loved it :)

Christmas we're ready for ya!!!

(oh and just for the record, Charity PROMISED me that she would always come back home to help set up the tree.  Had to get it in writing so that I can hold it over her head later if she misses :)   I had mentioned that it won't be the same without the kids there to put the ornaments up.... and she was consoling me :).  She's a sweetheart.  I really do hope that she will always be able to make time for her Mama at Christmas :) )