Updated cousin pic...

...from their visit last weekend.

Until next year, NaBloPoMo...

It is 9:45 on the last night of November and I am spent. Still haven't kicked this first trimester stuff completely out of the water. I've got lots of things I'd like to post or talk about, but they'll have to wait.

It's been fun posting everyday and reading everyone else's. But as usual, December is a welcome break. (haha)

Halls: Decked

We came home from the remainder of our holiday festivities today (visiting my Dad and Sue) to unpack and catch our breath from the whirlwind of a week. Oh, and we'll just put up the Christmas decorations while we're at it.

Five hours later, after much bulb twisting and a quick trip to Meijer for new lights, we are decorated. I always enjoy this activity, and this year was special because it's the first Christmas in this house. Upon opening The Box, I found from after-season clearance in January: outdoor lights in anticipation of having more of a place to hang them, a pop up Children's book, and lots and lots of holiday window clings. (I'm tucking those away for the 4:00 hour this week) We also purchased our annual Hallmark ornaments yesterday, and we had a good time figuring out where new things will go in our house. I'll post more pictures this week.

Katy was thrilled beyond belief during the entire process. I think she might be confused and thinking that today is Christmas. But we'll straighten her out. She was thoroughly annoyed that all of our lights, indoor and outdoor, were only "yellow" (white) instead of "colorful." So when we discovered the need for new strands for the tree, guess which kind we got? And guess who said, "Mommy, I LOVE you!" spontaneously in the car on the way home?

Christmas is enjoyed on a whole new level with small children. The joy in their faces. It's indescribable.