Tree decorating time

John is admiring the tree

Here is a yummy treat - cherry vanilla ice cream, ginger ale, whipped cream, sprinkles and a candy cane.

John putting on the angel. We always let the smallest member of the family put the tree topper on.

Ben and John are enjoying the Santa's hats

Mom and I. Mom had gall bladder surgery a couple of days after this photo was taken. Thankfully she is doing OK!

Anna and Claire

Anna has crocheted and knitted about 15 gifts so far this Christmas. Here is one of her personal creations - a cell phone cozy :) She has knitted several scarves and hats as well.

One of our holiday traditions is our tree decorating party with the grandparents. Mom and Dad come down and sometimes Nana and we decorate the tree and then we have Santa's hats and other goodies. The children get new ornaments each year that reflect their interests for that year. Anna's ornament this year is a runner with Spartans XC on the front, Claire's is a porcelin ornament with Brianna's (her new puppy) picture on it. John's is a puppy ornament as well and Ben's is a set of glass fish ornaments. Ben and Scott did not like my new blingy Christmas tree topper , so we have our traditional angel topper again.

Here are some of our outdoor decorations this year.