LIghts! Camera!

We went down to the square tonight and got some pictures of the lights. It is supposed to be the warmest night of the week. The temperature was in the 50s. We still had to bundle up, but it wasn't freezing cold like it has been or will be.

The girls got to see the lights up close and ride the ponies! Thankfully it was only $5 a ride. We topped the evening off with some yummy hot chocolate when we got back home. I love family outings!

Here are the pictures you've been waiting for. Click on each picture to enlarge it.

Christmastime is Here!

We finally got all of our Christmas decorations put up today. It really feels like Christmas now! I thought I'd take pictures of some of our things and share them with you.

These first two pictures are of the girls up in the attic "helping" Jim get the decorations down. They only have bike helmets on because they were riding their bikes. We're not THAT safety conscious!
These next ornaments are my "year ornaments". I get one every year that has the year on it. I started this quite innocently the year we got married, 1997. Some of them have been gifts for my birthday, and others I have just bought on my own. (or with birthday money :) And before any of you get picky and point this out to me, some of them have the year on the back. So you can't see it. :)

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Ok, so 2007 doesn't have the year on it. It is also a "licensed character" ornament which I FORBID to be on my tree. HOWEVER, Jim and the girls picked this one out for me. It is Linus reciting the scripture from Luke, "To you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, the Messiah, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11." He concludes with "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." So I let this one stay. :) It has actually become my favorite one of all of them.

2008

2009

Last but not least, this year's has a picture of Harper on it. I like that this is supposed to be a treat jar with the dog's picture in it.