Time for the Christmas tree!

After a couple of days of feeling like crap and being home alone, I was ready to get back into the swing of things.  And what better way to get back to normal than the put up the Christmas tree - talk about fun!!!  The kids were more than ready to assist so once Trav got the tree box out of the garage, we were off.  I put up the tree, the kids took care of the ornaments (if you look real close at the pic below, you'll notice that the majority of the ornaments are right in front and only go up about half way - only as high as their little arms could reach).

While Ryan, Lauren, and myself were busy putting up the tree, Trav and Ellie opted for a more restful approach . . . they laid on the couch and watched (apparently they aren't over Halloween yet - orange and black are out, time for red and green!).

Actually this picture was taken after the tree was already completed, but it wasn't much different from what they really did.  Ellie wasn't so great at hanging ornaments, in fact, she took off more than she put up so having her lay on the couch was actually a good thing.  And Trav isn't much of a decorator, so instead he was the "ornament repair man" - any ornaments missing a hook, he was the man to go to for help.  Overall I think we have a great tree.  It isn't the prettiest, the most colorful, or even in perfect working order (there are a few "dead" spots where the lights aren't working for some reason), but the kids love it and it makes me happy every time I see it so it's a winner in our house!  The countdown to Christmas is on . . . can't believe it is less than a month away!