This year we went to Bead Lake to find a tree (note to self, scope out a better place to look for a tree). This was more of a hiking experience, although the trails are wide and well maintained. It's more that the little ones are wimpy and it was cold and I didn't make Maeve wear her heavier coat. But we found a great tree that may be our best one yet. It's not too big, it looks great! So far, it only has lights and isn't getting ornaments because the combination of our sons and our puppy will mean chewed and ruined ornaments and I'm just not down for that this year.

Well, going with the goal of being present over Christmas, I took next to no photos on Christmas Day! Just a few snaps in the morning and one of Christmas dinner in the evening. It was a busy and full day. Lots more food and games. We hosted Christmas Dinner with grandparents and good friends. At the end of the day, I was exhausted! The children had a great day and they're really enjoying their new toys. This holiday season was 100% exhausting, but I'm not sure that I'd change anything!

Here are some photos of our Christmas Eve! This year, Christmas was all about playing games and eating food. It was a really special one, and I'll hopefully always remember it. I mean look at all those cute kids in matching pajamas!

I waffled on whether to buy these wooden ornaments or not, but I'm glad I did. They came in handy when the girls were feeling antsy on Christmas Eve day.

The girls had the week before Christmas off of school and my goal was to spend time together. I put aside personal projects (no pottery) to play, craft, bake and watch movies with my kids. I dropped some balls this Christmas for sure, but being present was one thing I did right. One day, before the cold temps dropped in, we went sledding at a neighborhood park. Oh what fun we had! There was so much laughing and playing. It was so delightful! No one cried and when we were done, we came home and the girls made hot chocolate. I hope my children remember this about their Christmas break and not all the times they told me they're bored and that it's the longest week ever.