Christmas Tree

We started a new tradition last year of cutting our own Christmas tree.  Last year we cut our tree in jackets and there were only pockets of snow.  This year the Whitakers came with us, which would have made it worth it even if we didn't find a tree.  We tried to make it up to where we cut one last year, but it was too snowy, I think only a snowmobile could have gotten through.  We went up and around to another spot.  I kept seeing good trees all the way up the mountain, but they were on private land.  It seemed like as soon as we got to the Forest Service sign the snow got a lot deeper.  We couldn't get very far in, and we even had to back down the mountain, so we stopped in the first place we saw a decent tree.  Actually our tree looks great from the front, it just has no branches in the back.  You can't see the back anyway, right?

November

We had our first snowstorm of the winter the weekend before Thanksgiving, and winter came in with a bang! It snowed about a foot in 2 days. Because everyone at the school is new, no one new how to clear the parking lot, so we got stuck in the parking lot.

Devon came home from work early to build a snow fort with the boys.  There was a lot of snow.  Evey house with kids had a snow fort, but they were all different.

I have to bribe James to get him to go outside in the winter.  He is not a fan of the cold white stuff and does not understand the draw. 

Carrie is a messy eater and also the cutest baby ever.  She has four teeth now and just looks older everyday.

We went to Phoenix for Thankgiving.  This looks like almost the same picture, but this time it's mashed potatoes that Devon piled on her tray for Thanksgiving, she loved it.

The cousins and Jason and Nate built houses for Leprechauns at a park.  The leprechauns came out of hibernation and left treats twice for the amazing house builders.

WE went to the zoo on Thanksgiving morning.  It was really fun and gave us something to do while waiting for the food to cook.  Our camera was out of order for Thanksgiving, so there may be another Thanksgiving post when I get the pictures off the other computer.