December 5, 2015

Trim up the Tree and all that stuff!

Just as we do every year, the day after Thanksgiving, we begin decorating for Christmas.  The tree is always the first to go up and the boys were a big help in fluffing the tree this year.

This really is my most favorite time of year and we have already crossed off a bunch of bucket list items; including lists to Santa, watching Christmas movies and going to the Christmas parade!  I am looking forward to adding to our list as well as continuing our other Christmas traditions!

Christmas lists for Santa!



I love the glow of our home when the Christmas tree is up and the garland is wrapped around the staircase!  And the outside decorations make the early darkness much more inviting!






Tree is up and decorated!
That night we accidentially found ourselves at the city tree lighting.  We had planned to get ice cream for dinner (since we had a big lunch) and realized when we saw the crowds what was happening!  After our ice cream treat we walked over to help with the count down and checking out the tree, before heading home!

Beautiful!
Add caption

Tree Lighting!
Meeting my family at the Christmas parade is one of my favorite traditions!

















December 4, 2015

365 ~ 2015: Day 337

Christmas Bucket List Item: Family Christmas movie!

Thanksgiving 2015

Last year we had no power and a almost a foot of snow!  This year it was 50 degrees and sunny!  No matter what Mother Nature throws us, there is one thing for certain...the food will be plentiful and the company the BEST!

This is now my 5th time hosting Thanksgiving and each year is easier and better than the last!  I began my prep on Wednesday and having the new fridge was a huge help and time saver since I could prep that much more and keep it out in the garage fridge.

The famous sausage stuffing prep!
Alton's Famous Turkey Brine!
The cornbread for Pioneer Woman's Cornbread Dressing!
Making pie crusts!
Getting fancy with my first lattice crust!
BOOM!  I am damn proud of that pie!
Stuffed mushrooms
Fresh from the oven!
My sister made a veggie platter turkey!
Ham (because not everyone loves turkey...something I cannot comprehend!)
Turkey
Stuffing central
The BEST sweet potato casserole you'll ever eat in your life!
Sides and more turkey!
It's not a completed Holiday at my house without the required photo op!
Our big happy family!
My Sous Chef!
This years turkey carver!
Mangia, mangia!
Kids table!
Love seeing people enjoy my food!




DESSERT!

December 3, 2015

365 ~ 2015: Day 336

While Dad enjoys fine dining at the Centennial Inn, the boys and I enjoy our own fine dining KFC style.

December 1, 2015

365 ~ 2015: Day 334

It's December 1st, which only means one thing in this house!  Finn arrived this morning, right on schedule!