The Stockings are Hung...

Last Sunday evening we decorated for Christmas. This included getting a tree and all the trimmings. Faith even got to help us this year, so a great time was had by all. We debated on whether to get a fake or real Christmas tree and finally decided to get a real one! It is beautiful and smells delicious. We got a balsom spruce, so the needles aren't as "pokey." Nate was our hero--transporting the 7 ft tree out of the store, strapping it onto the jeep, and getting it set up inside practically single-handed. Way to go Daddy!

Hope you are getting in the Christmas spirit as well :)

We are Thankful...

This year we spent Thanksgiving with our Hutchings family at a cabin that Gigi and Pawpaw rented outside of Branson. It was a beautiful cabin on a little acreage. We had a relaxing week eating LOTS of food and enjoying some Branson festivities. We are very thankful for family :)

Nate and Gigi on Thanksgiving

Faith and Pawpaw watching the Little People :)
Yum-o! Thanksgiving Dinner....Gigi and Aunt Pam made a WONDERFUL dinner....turkey, ham, salads, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, pie...and the list goes on...

Now it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without some hunting :) Nate and Uncle Dick in thier gear.
Crazy sisters decided to go midnight shopping at the outlet mall in Branson. I was a little reluctant and tired, but Ally and Derr made it so fun :) We "witnessed" a minor parking incident, but did get a parking space out of it....we shopped our hearts out....then got a little bit lost winding through the mountains on our way home at 5:30am....Iowa girls are not used to curvy roads! Needless to say...we had an adventure :)

We also spent some time at the Branson Landing. Faith loved these drummers who were using buckets for drums.

Faith and her Pawpaw checking out the sights.

Faith and Gigi watching the water fountain show complete with shooting water, lots of color and Christmas music.

Before we all left, we got some family pics! Can you tell Faith is the only grandchild so far :) She's not spoiled at all!

Faith with Uncle Buba and Aunt DD

Faith with Uncle Dick and Aunt Pam

Faith with Gigi and Pawpaw

Hutchings family picture! (sorry about the red eyes, folks!)

Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving too :)