Christmas Tree and Santa

We went out to Jones's Tree Farm again this year, because how can you turn down a sleigh ride? 

We sang Christmas songs as the horses pulled us through the trees. I tried to get Lizzie into it, but the girl will have nothing to do with singing. Look at her face. She even looks embarrassed to be sitting next to me. Get used to the feeling kid! 

Atticus was thrilled to be singing! His face may also be showing signs of Nana candy. 

Cute. Just cute. 

Atticus got to see Santa at our ward Christmas dinner. The girls had to go to bed earlier, but he was pretty psyched to meet him.

Excellent method Santa. I see what you did there. 

WHY.

This is why we can't have nice things. 

Crazy

You  ever have one of those days where you really feel crazy? Like maybe you've come a little unhinged and you should be locked away for the safety of others? I know at least the moms reading this know this feeling.
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Well, the next time you feel that way, remind yourself that you're not really crazy until you're this guy.

Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens

CHIIIIICKEEEEEEEENS!! We are now part owners of our community chicken coop. We're set to start running it with two other families this week. 

Getting introduced to the chickens, and the neighboring vegetable patch...

... and subsequently making themselves at home in the coops. 

And lastly, our neighbor (from whom we're buying the share of the coop) helps Atticus hold one of the chickens. This was right before the chicken freaked out and flapped him in the face. 

Totoro Hunting

Sup guys? How's your autumn? Lots of sweaters, snuggles, and hot chocolate? Or has it been more like never ending leaves, freezing temperatures, and the beginning of cold season? Eh, I'm here and there on fall. On the one hand, summer is over, and I hate everything about that. On the other, Christmas is coming! The goose is getting fat! Time to put a penny in the old man's hat!

Here are some pictures of my kids, because that's what parents are best at.

We did some finger painting in the kitchen, which quickly evolved into war paints. 

The kids were Where's Waldo and Where's Wanda for Halloween. 

Where IS Wanda?

Pa came to hang out with us at the Halloween dinner and trunk or treat. 

Atticus loves these glasses! 

We've gone for some walks under the maple trees. They all love to throw leaves at each other and the cat. Yeah, Wire usually follows us on our walks. 

Today we went out to walk the Spruce Rail Trail by Lake Crescent. The idea was to go "hunting for Totoro". All three of them loved it, and I loved seeing the mossy trees. I wish my good camera were working, because my cell phone doesn't do justice to these beauties! 

I think if I were Totoro, I would live in a mossy tree like this. It looks so soft and comfy. 

I May Seek Therapy.

Our cat brought a snake into the living room. Allow to me to share the event with you-


Jane: SCREAM!

Me: What's- AAAAUUUGHHHHH!!!

Atticus: Wire got a slug! Jane's scared.

Me: EEEEeeeeEEEEegh!

Lizzie stands, passively observing the situation.

Atticus: Look at the sluuuuuug.

Jane: SCREAM!!!

Me: Wire, back outside! AAH IT'S STILL MOVING!! WIRE! OUTSIDE!

Wire goes outside, leaving the snake.

Atticus: Poke the slug?

Me: Nononono!

Jane: SCREAM!

Me: Atticus, look for a stick so we can put the snake outside...

Lizzie: Stick?

Me: Where have all the sticks gone?!?!

Atticus: Jane's scared of the snake.

Jane: SCREEEEEAAAAM!

Me: HOW DO I GET IT OUTSIDE?

Lizzie: Paper?

Me: Good idea, Lizzie.

Lizzie starts coloring on the walls.

I go get about 5 sheets of paper, and then stand over the snake, wishing I could do anything else than what I'm about to do. Anything. Else.

Jane: SCREAM!!

Me: Atticus, open the door.

I bend down, pick up the snake with the paper like you would a tissue with a spider, fling it outside and slam the door shut.

I sit on my heels, breathing heavily and fight an urge to burn the house down so I won't have to live here with this memory.

The End.

How to Eat a Watermelon Tutorial

Soon I will have a post about our many adventures with our lovely visitors, but in the meantime, you should really watch this. I know it's 10 minutes long, but it's really worth it.