The Santa Express

I am sad to report that our train-loving, Adeline did not join us on this year's Santa Express Ride.  It was hard to leave her behind, knowing she would enjoy it more than anyone.  However, the fever and puking left us no choice.  Alex stayed behind with the Belle and the rest of us, including Grammy and Papa, headed to the Strasburg Railroad.  We were joined by friends which helped fill the void. The girls enjoyed time with friends and Santa! 

Oh Christmas Tree

We looked long and hard for a tree farm that sold cut-your-own trees tall enough for our family room.  For the past five years, we have cut our trees at a local farm and ended up with some very natural (no shearing is done at this farm) and pretty trees.  The last couple years, the trees have appeared diseased and last year's tree confirmed my suspicsion.  Every needle or at least 80% of them were on my floor before exiting my house.  It was unbelievable and I vowed to never go back.  Fires plagues my brain during the holidays.

(Last year's disaster!)

Our search was futile and we ended up buying a tree from a farm that ships them in from Western Pennsylvania.  There was no cutting involved but the girls settled for a walk around the farm which involved a visit with the horses.  Adeline has true love of horses and desperately wanted to believe that this horse was Lady; her therapy horse that got old and was moved to a new farm.  This horse was very affectionate with the Belle.

Here is our first experience with the perfectly sheared Christmas tree. I think I like it!

And That Makes 41!

Earlier in the month, Alex and I celebrated our back to back birthdays.  The girls get very excited about our birthdays.  They were even more excited when I told them I was going to put 41 candles on daddy's cake.  Good thing they were there to help Alex put out his fire.




My candles were placed on Daddy's leftover cake and were much less threatening. . .