Hesitation

Ben has been after me for at least a week to decorate for Christmas. He is SOOOO excited to put up the trees. He LOVES Christmas! So, this afternoon, I took a deep breath and got the tubs out of the garage to put away Thanksgiving. Ben and Annie helped me dust (which unfortunately only occurs when we change decorations) throughout the house. Since we don't normally put up any Christmas anything until Andy comes home because the decorations are so high up, it was a real treat that I was able to slide the trees out.

We have two Christmas trees; one is small and all ornaments can be touched, the other is Mom's and Dad's and is not touchable. While I was putting on Journey (somehow the Christmas CD from the other night is missing), Ben got a knife and opened both boxes - without me knowing. He is so quick to just do what needs to be done! :( :) (mixed feelings there) I told him it was his job to do the kids' tree and he got right to work! Then he helped me with the bigger tree because each branch goes in separately.

As much as I have been dreading this because it is normally very chaotic - this year it was really fun! No one was too naughty, and we just had a great time! I think it helped that we were only working on the tree and not the decorations at the same time. It only took us 7 Journey songs to put both trees together! Thankfully we ended just before Cyberchase came on because my patience was waning.

Thanksgiving

My brother and his family drove to Texas from St.George and we had a great time! His two older daughters took turns sleeping at our house, putting the kids to bed and playing with me. And yes, I AM smarter than a 5th grader! We were kind of dragging one night, so we turned on some music and danced around Grandma's living room. This is my brother and his oldest daughter.

Ty is just a few months older than Annie and they had SO MUCH FUN playing together. Each meal that we ate as a large family necessitated Annie and Ty next to each other "eating."

Cutie Trevor has this little flirty grin that I ADORE! I was so glad that when we said goodbye on Thanksgiving night he finally bestowed me with a sweet kiss!

Uncle Roy left his Wii at Grandma's house. Everyone learned more about taking turns, but this turn was my favorite! Both little faces are so intense, and their entire bodies got a workout!

We took my first trip to Sam Moon. WOW!!!! That place is amazing! I think Andy will be giving me some money to shop there for my Christmas gift! The kids had quite a bit of fun playing with the accessories, so Emily, Annie, and I cut out early!

The kids love to climb Grandma's little tree in front of her house! Looking at these two, I would say the Taylor family genes are quite strong!