Christmas Creek

We headed up to Christmas Creek again this year - following tradition.  We had a fun morning as a family picking out our tree, visiting Santa, and going for a hay ride.  Andy was excited the whole time.  He loved being "daddy's helper" and actually enjoyed seeing Santa this year.  I had to explain to him that Santa was going to ask him what he wanted for Christmas.  He thought about it while we waited for the 10 minutes in line.  When ran straight up to Santa, and after Katie calmed down (see pictures below), Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas.  Andy calmly replied, "a candy cane."  Ahhh, if only life was still so simple : )  Santa grabbed a candy cane from his basket and told him that was too easy of a request asked if Andy wanted anything else on Christmas day.  He replied, "a train".  Santa asked, "do you like Thomas the Train?"  Andy replied, "yes, any train.  Thank you Santa."  And then he hopped off his lap with a big grin on his face. 

Katie, well she was terrified of Santa.  Not that I expected anything different.  She has stranger anxiety these days. 

After we got our tree, we spent the afternoon decorating for Christmas.  I love the smell of a fresh cut tree!  Wook (Elf on the Shelf) made an appearance too.  Let the holidays begin!

The girls

The boys

Andy starting the hunt for the perfect tree (he kept stopping at the mini trees and wanting those...brings back memories!)

Stopping for a nature pee

Andy's "favorite tree" was this dead branch. 

Standing in front of our tree

Katie and I stood by the tree while the boys went to get the saw.  Andy kept yelling for us to try and find us again...this was his expression when he found us.

Watching daddy cut down the tree

SO excited

Checking out dad's work

Such a good helper

Showing us how strong he is

Katie in mid "noooooo"

Taking the tree back to the car

Waiting for Santa.  Katie looks skeptical

And now terrified...

Come ON...SAVE ME!!

Andy chatting with Santa

And getting his candy cane

Hay ride!