deck the halls

It is so much fun to wake up to see the Christmas tree. So much excitment for the holiday season and so much to look forward to with the kids.

The tree is in a spot where, when Madelines door is open and she is in her crib, she looks right out at it. A huge smile came across her face when she too was reminded of the beauty of our tree this morning. Emma came up from her room to see Hermie, our elf, hanging from the drapes. That kid doesn't miss a thing!

Mom called this morning with an offer to adorn our dingy, gross stair banister with some garland and other festive items. Of course we took her up on it. It really adds a nice look and an attempt at sophistication to our house.

We left for church. Emma is always eager to get to Sunday school. She just loves learning about God and the bible. Today and next week they are practicing songs that they will perform at the upcoming Christmas show - I CANNOT wait for that! Madeline on the other hand, is not too interested in hearing Pastor Dave talk about Isaish and the Messiah. Sitting in the pew for more then a couple of minutes is too much. Understandable when you are 1 1/2. I think, reluctantly, I will look into the nursery care that is available. I have a tremendous complex against anyone besides me and very, very few others watching my kids. . . So, we will see.

After church we went to brunch with some friends. It was a lot of fun, service sucked, food was great. The kids -ours and others - lost it about 1/2 way through. Thankfully we were with everyone who is kid friendly and it didn't phase them. We decided next time we will look into an all adult happy hour.

Made it home just in time for naps. We all layed down. I slept so hard. I have been fighting a cold, so sleeping hasn't come easily. This nap was an exception. When I heard Madz wake up, I actually looked at the clock and thought "why is she waking up at 4:53 in the morning?" Before I realized that it was not the morning, it was the beginning of the evening.

Emma, I think, is going to fall on the more "artsy" side of the spectrum. She loves all kinds of art things. Actually, last summer, we went on a tour of the Minneapolis Museum of Art. She loved it and asks about going again. Her new thing is taking my digital camera and taking pictures of everything. But, it is hilarious how she tells you how to pose and that you look "extraordinary". I, of course, think she does a pretty good job. Here is one of her shots from this evening.

After a fun filled dinner, we starting decking our halls. Actually 99% of all the Christmas stuff ends up upstairs. It is so nice and cozy. We got the snowbabies put up, the tree decorated and the rest of our little items randomly put around.

The wonder in the girls eyes at all of this stuff and the questions that Emma asks make every around you even more amazing. There really is something unbelieveable about seeing the world through a childs eyes. There isn't many things more amazing then that.