Oh Christmas Tree

We decided to get a tree this year because last year felt so gloomy without one. We headed down to what we thought was the cheapest lot in town... Turns out it was run by some sort of mafia family. We spent a little more than we had planned, but our tree was full and pretty... and really short, which was exactly what we needed! 

And we didn't get shot while we were at it. Win win!

On the way home, Ellie got attacked by the candy cane. This did not make her happy.

"Get OFF me candy cane!!!!"

See how tiny? We didn't even have to put it on the roof!

Once home, we discovered our tree stand has gone missing, much to our dismay and frustration, and so Ben built one... He is amazing.

All lit up and ready to decorate!!!

We set the mood....

And got decorating!

The final piece:

which had to be done twice :)

(the top was too tall at first)

Merry Christmas!!!

Denver Parade of Lights

Daddy surprised us on Friday night and took us on a family date night to Chuck E Cheese and downtown Denver to see the parade of lights! It was so cool! I've never been to a Christmas or a night parade and we were stoked! We showed up at 7:30 to get some good seats. 

Unfortunately, we were towards the end, so even though the parade started at 8, nobody got to us until 9. Ellie did lion's hair while we waited. Dad also bought the girls a light up Christmas tree wand to help pass the time. It broke within five minutes.

But then it started!!!

Elves introduced each section and the girls LOVED them! Every time one would walk by, one of them would shout, "an elf! An elf!! Wave to it!!!" and they would wave frantically!

A few of our favorite floats

Ben's favorite was the bottom left: Lowriders Alliance :)

Here's Brook seeing Rudolph

The airport had a pretty impressive set up and some LOUD horns. 

Brook loved it, Ellie... not so much!

We saw Santa at the very end and it was very exciting!!!

Then we ran into our good friends, Sarah and Nicole and went for hot chocolate at Starbucks.

We neglected to account train time into this, so we missed all trains until 11:30. We were exhausted! But we had such a fun night! Ellie hung in there as best she could.

Best part of the parade: ET in the bike basket!

Thanksgiving 2012

We had such a nice Thanksgiving this year! Thanksgiving morning, we headed over to Sam & Jenna's to great ready for the big meal!
We watched a little of the Macy's parade, including Santa!!

Ellie wasn't sure what to think at first....

Then she was thrilled!

I tried my hand at Neenaw's sweet potatoes- 

they didn't turn out as good as hers, but they were still good!

"SAY CHEESE!!!" Yes, I really said that.

 The girls in their Thanksgiving tub

 The dessert spread... minus a Texas Sheet Cake. Yes, I gained 30 pounds.

Ellie & Brook mastered the grape kebabs:

 Happy Family

 Crazy family

 Sarah brought this amazing turkey hat... it was awesome

 A little fun at the playground

Poor quality photo, but Sam laid out an amazing turkey spread!

 Happy Thanksgiving!!

 Harry and Sarah: The New Sam & Jenna... :)

 Ellie's Belly....  I think she ate too much

And Uncle Harry too

And to finish the day off...

(Emma had to leave for a soccer tournament around 4, so we had to improvise :)