Santa Claus

We went to visit Santa when he was in town last weekend. Noah decided he did NOT like the jolly big fella. We tried to get everyone's picture and it just wasn't happening.

Aidan telling Santa what he wants for Christmas.

All six with Santa - Noah was NOT having any part of being left on the Big Guy's lap. I guess he doesn't understand he wants to be friends with this guy.
The best one we got. Santa is looking at the camera; Austin and Aidan are looking into la-la land; Ethan and Nathanial are at least happy; Noah stopped screaming and put his fingers in long enough to get a somewhat decent picture; and Hannah is blissfully unaware of the trauma her brothers have just been put through.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow...

And it did - a lot. Here's some images from last night's snow storm.

Here's our table on the back deck - it was clean. Austin standing in front of some of what Steve got off the driveway.

Nathanial and Ethan watching Daddy shovel...he says it helps him excersize - but after almost three hours out there, I think maybe he's rethinking snow blower? Although it's been eight years, so maybe not.

Decorating

The trees lighted and the angels on top - all ready for Austin and Aidan. Steve making sure at least a few ornaments make it to the top of the tree. Austin and Aidan placing their ornaments. Aidan's conglomerate on the bottom of the tree.

Austin and Aidan in front of the finished tree (we didn't put on all the ornaments this year). This lasted until the next morning - we now have, oh, six ornaments on the tree total and the rest are carefully arranged under the tree. The guilty three shall remain nameless...

Oh Christmas Tree!

How does it happen that out of six children, only one goes with to pick out and cut down the tree?? Well, it was very cold and Austin always complains about going with to do it, so we put all the babies to sleep and left Austin to "babysit". Aidan, thankfully, still enjoys going to do it. Next year, the triplets will be old enough to go traipsing through the snow to pick one out so I hope Austin enjoyed his warmth this year!

This was the first year we let Aidan carry the saw. (Notice Steve is a little hunched over - it was blustery this year!)

I had to get a picture of Aidan from the front The tree Aidan and I agreed upon - after Daddy nixed the first three! Aidan inspecting Daddy to make sure he's doing a good enough job.

Cutting down the tree The tree is down!

After getting the tree shook and baled, Aidan enjoys hot (luke warm, really) chocolate on the way home.
We had fun, just the three of us. I am looking forward to future years with everyone out there also!

Incredibly Blessed

As I look at this picture, I cannot believe how incredibly blessed we have been. I always wanted six children, and after struggling with infertility, I never in my wildest dreams would have thought this mantle would have belonged in my home. God sure is a God of miracles!!!