Annual Christmas Tree Chop

December 5th was the day we did our annual Christmas Tree Chop in the national forest in Woodland Park. It's one of our favorite family traditions and so very neat that the forest benefits from thinning (part of forest fire prevention) and the community has a fantastic opportunity for a completely Colorado tree! You'll never see the thick, symmetrical trees like those from tree farms, but we love our "Charlie Brown"-esque tree each year and the experience and memories from finding it and cutting it down. Natalie had a blast until the end, and Tyler was his usual happy self.

-L















Our tree (and a very-ready-to-be-done-and-warm-again Natalie)

Thanksgiving in Tucson ARIZONA

Last Thanksgiving we got to go to Tucson to visit PopPop (Mike), Mimi (Pam), Grandma Bobbie, and Papa Ed! November is a fantastic time to visit since the temps felt just about perfect! The kids had a fantastic time with all the grandparents and great grandparents - especially since there's a slot machine with lights and sounds to play with! :-) Plus, some new toys that then came home with us! We had a fun day trip to the zoo, neighborhood walks, enjoyed the newly redone backyard, FANTASTIC meals (thank you Pam!!) and a great Thanksgiving Day! And Jon and I even got a date night in!! Enjoy pictures from our trip (and ignore that you're looking at them 6 months later...).

-L

Tyler loves his "big boy" car seat!


Day at the Zoo...














Fish as big as Tyler...




The anteaters were my favorite to watch on this zoo trip...




Tyler with a home-grown grapefruit...


Tyler getting to meet and spend time with great-grandpa, Papa Ed...


Natalie "stylin'" with Great-grandma Bobbie...




The SLOT MACHINE...


With Pop Pop and Mimi in their beautifully redone backyard...