All I want for Christmas is my .....

O.k, so one more video. The kids went to see Santa last night. It's a great thing we have come across--just about 5 minutes from us, Santa comes to visit this 'portrait studio'--how convenient! We know exactly when our appointment to see him is, so no long lines, and while we are there, he pulls out his list, to see if the kids names are on it, the nice one that is! Happy to report, they were all on there. Of course, just 30 minutes before, I never would have believed that! LOL Actually, I believe I was threatening to take them off myself :)

Wil was also very aware, and made sure I knew it :), that he was the ONLY 13 year old on that list visiting Santa. I guess all the "other" teenagers are texting Santa their wishes. LOL I told him he had about 4 years left--look to the bright side, he can drive us some of those years! Oh the joys of children, but how fast time flys. I'll take what I can get now :)

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

Well, every year since we have lived in Minnesota ( coming up on 8 years this next March!) we have a tradition of cutting down our own Christmas Tree at a Tree farm up in Cambridge, MN--it's about a 30-40 minute drive north of us. We always go with our neighbors, Jason and Karine, and their 3 children. The past 2 years, we have had another good family/friend join us, Delayna and Jeff, and their 3 children. So, we have quite a fun time riding out on the tractors, starting the hunt, sawing them down, hauling them back by trailer, the kids getting hot cocoa and cookies when we are done, then off to home with our trees--where all the fun really begins!

It may sound like a little too much effort to some, but it is one of the few traditions we started up here in Minnesota that the kids (and Den and I included!) really enjoy. One of the best parts is how good the house smells

Of course this year, we lucked out and found our tree within the first 50 ft from where we jumped off the trailer, and claimed it within minutes of looking. Our neighbors, Jason and Karine, weren't quite so fortunate--they hunted, and hunted, and hunted, and Den helped them hunt, and hunt, and hunt--but they finally found that perfect one! This year, the weather was perfect up here--no snow, sunny day, and in the upper 40's--so no one was cold! The first few years, we weren't so blessed--the kids bundled in snowsuits and gear, whipping wind, freezing feet and snow drifts to drag ourselves thru. I wish I could find a picture I have, but one of those years, Jacque was about 4 or 5, and she just layed herself down in the snow, sprawled on her back, crying. She was so tired of having to walk thru all the snow. It was the funniest picture.

So, below is the saga story of finding our tree. I can't figure out how to get the pictures to be lined up more horizontally, rather than all vertical in a row, so for now, just keep on scrolling down!................

All the kids loaded up and ready to go!

Jacque and Cayden, our neighbor's daughter

Let the hunt begin!

WAIT!! Not that one kids! That's too big! How many times have we told you not to wonder around on the tree farm, by yourselves, with the saw??

Now that one is just right!! We'll take it!

Now the fun part, which is always Den's part, the sawing----oh fun!

Oh, but we got smart this year--can you say "child labor?" :)

There is no age limit or gender discrimination on child labor in the Davis household!

OK, I guess we have to help, a little :)

Load it up, we're outta here!

Off we go!

Shake, Shake, Shake!! Our's is on the left

Bag it up please!

It's officially ours--paid for and on OUR trailer :) Tally ho!

But first, let's have some hot cocoa and cookies before we go!

Ahh, finally, home.

All done! Merry Christmas!

And herrrrrrre's Ben!!!!!

PACT Charter School 1st and 2nd Grade Christmas Concert

Well, he did it! Ben successfully enjoyed himself and sang in public, with a "little" motion included. He definately wasn't as "busy" as a few of the children were. I think one little girl in the front took her dress jacket on and off a couple dozen times :) A few others really projected themselves pretty well. And of course, there is always the one child that likes to be animated to every single word sung. Which of course, that child ends up being front and center, for all to enjoy :) We really enjoyed the program, and Ben had a fun time as well. There is a video clip below if anyone wants to hear a small portion. Enjoy!

Can you spot Ben?

As you can see, he was a lot more "serious" , or should I say, "stoic" than everyone else? :)

This is Ben before the program--looking pretty good!!! (See his name on his desk?)

And here's a sample of how cute they all were! Listen! (Don't forget, you'll have to mute my music player on the side of the blog to hear them)