First Christmas Tree

Last year we didn't get our own tree because we were out of town for three weeks, so this year Joel got to experience the tree trimming - complete with christmas music, hot chocolate and the streess of trying to get a perfect picture of this momentus event! He LOVED getting the balls out of the box and holding them "just so" by the hook and trying to put it on the branch. When we turned on the lights for the first time he said wow! and danced around in front of the tree. He still does this. He has been pretty good about not pulling the ornaments off, though he does like to walk very slowly and carefully just until the branches start to tickle. His wonder and joy makes this time so much fun! Hope you are all enjoying your Christmas tree as much as we are!

SNOW!

Here is our first big snow of the year - Joel didn't sink in all the way to the bottom but you can see on the railings how deep it really is. I took this picture on December 9th and pretty much all of this snow is still on the ground and the temperature hasn't been much above 20 since then. So this is what winter is! Joel is pretty indifferent to it, but did learn to identify when it is snowing out...he says no (snow without the "s") in a little nasaly voice and points outside.

Winter is HERE!

Well, the hot sticky summer is a distant memory as we are now living in what they are calling a "deep freeze." Boy do I miss nice, mild Oregon. :) Joel tolerates getting all bundled up, even if it's just to go check the mail downstairs, but he loves to try on our hats and dance in front of the mirror. Here is one of him in Greg's hat sitting on the coffee table...his favorite spot, currently!