christmas around the house.

Simon's primary goal this month has been to remove all the candles from the windows. And occasionally throw them over the balcony and watch them shatter.

 We've dubbed this "the Christmas room."

christmas tree

We decided to try cutting down our Christmas tree this year. We went to a nearby farm and the kids loved wandering around looking for the perfect tree. We have always gotten a fraser fir but this year we cut down a Carolina Sapphire. It smelled really good and was big and bushy and pretty. But Ben and I both got rashes and tiny slivers on our hands and arms trying to get it home and strung with lights. It also ended up dying really quickly and is extremely flammable at this point. So I think it's back to the fraser fir next year.

I just loved this view out our front door after bringing the tree in. Some of our trees had just reached their peak of fall color.

Just a pretty shot of the sun going down in the yard.

Christmas tree by night.

Christmas tree by day.

Christmas cards! One of the best parts of the season. Had to start an overflow on the other side.

Christmas tree search.

We bought a fresh tree from the North Carolina State Farmers Market which happens to be fairly close to our house which we love. It's a fantastic farmers market that is open every day of the year.

 

There was some contention over who should push Simon in the stroller. 

Everyone likes to watch the chainsaw action.

 

 The tree was a welcome addition to our pretty sparse family room.

Simon was cautiously curious with the tree at first, but progressively became more destructive as the month went on and his dexterity improved.

the tree.

 Hooray for attic storage.