Tree Trimming!

For Family Home Evening last week we trimmed our little Christmas tree. It is the 5 foot tree that Nathan and I have had since our first Christmas together, 13 years ago. It is scraggly, but we love it! The kids get to put the lights and garland on all by themselves and then we all put on ornaments, but even that is done mostly by the children. It has lovingly become "the children's tree".

This year Nick held Ben up to put the angel on top. It was the first year he has taken over this role. Daddy used to do it, but he didn't mind one bit letting Nick. He is getting so big!

Then we went into the other room where our "big" tree is and we gave everyone their 2010 Christmas ornament. These ones will adorn our big tree this year and move to the children's tree next year. Nathan and I bought these ornaments in Oberammergau, Germany when we were on our European trip this past spring. They are little hand carved wooden ornaments.

Nathan's is a star, because as the head of our home and a wonderful man who honors his priesthood, we always follow him and let him guide us.

Mine is a Nativity because I collect nativities! (Do you like my antlers? The kids made me wear them, then I forgot they were on my head!)

Nick's is a horn because it was the closest thing they had to a saxophone. This is his first year playing alto sax in the school band. He loves it!

Tatiana's is a rocking horse because she took horse riding lessons this year and really enjoyed it.

Ben's is a little car because he loves cars...and trucks, and planes, and trains, etc, etc...he's a boy!

Andrew's is a train because he LOVES trains!

Then the kids had the great idea of putting the ornament on the tree as high as they can reach so we can see the difference between the children. It was a cute idea. Then when I decorated the tree I just decorated around them. What a fun tradition!

Merry Christmas!