ice skating

this has been the year of ice skating for my kiddos!

ever since blaire's frozen birthday party, they have wanted to spend our family time on the ice.  

they got their very own ice skates last weekend when we had my family christmas celebration and we thought today was a great day to try them out!

we had a blast!

the double-blades made it easier and more fun for them......and my back is sure thanking my awesome siblings for this fantastic gift tonight!!

merry christmas eve to all!

christmas baking {2014}

these photos were taken a little while ago, but i thought today was a festive day to post them ;)  my kids love helping in the kitchen (and please excuse my messy kitchen!)

happy christmas eve!

christmas tree farm {2014}

our annual tree cutting event had to move locations this year as our previous favorite farm has stopped offering 'cut-your-own'.  i was worried that we weren't going to happy with a new place, and that fear proved to be ridiculous, as the farm we tried out this year was perfect, actually even better than our old farm.  

whew.

crisis averted, and family tradition prevails!  :)

just for comparison for those who enjoy walking down memory lane - you can check out our 2013, 2012 and 2011 tree excursions. 

I love that we had a little snow this year!  It was a cold afternoon, but it was perfect.

Happy Holidays!

thanksgiving {2014}