It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I have to say, as momma Johnson, the hubby did well this year! Brian is always so spirited and ambitious with the Christmas lights. I love my father to death, but that is one area where he doesn’t have passion–putting up Christmas lights! When my mom wanted some one year, she went up on ladders doing it herself when he was on a business trip! Brian though…busts them out as fast as it turns the Christmas season.

I also have to say, he has been Petersen-ized though. But, he does it so well. Brian grew up with colored lights, but I have certain liking to the classic white lights. Such a good hubby to accomodate me. Doesn’t the house look great? Nice job Bri-guy! The girls are in love with the lights.

We also just started our tradition this year of two trees…yep, I am becoming my mother! We have our “fancy” tree and our family tree. The family tree is all of our miscellaneous and heirloom ornaments. It is still in “production” as the years grow on.

But, what is the most fun? Watching the girls. They are in complete awe and their little faces just light up at the Christmas decorations. When a Christmas tree turns on…it’s like the world stops. It is so fun watching them experience Christmas this year. Ava is even more into it, and the the twins are discovering everything for the first time. Utter joy!

And, if you haven’t heard of “Elf on the Shelf”, you need to research it. Our elf entered our house on November 28th, and his name is Smurky! Wow…does that have power or what! All of the girls find him each morning. Even Aubree and Annelise know what it is and can’t figure out if he is not in the spot they last saw him. Santa is definitely going to have to deliver this year. We got three very “nice” girls. Oh…the magic of Christmas. Brian and I are eating up every last morsel this year!!

Taking in the view…

Annelise in awe…what is this white stuff?

Wow…it just falls out of the sky like that?

The Johnson “Fancy” tree

The Johnson Family Tree

Smurky…making his way around the house!

La Casa…all lit up with snow!

So blessed…

We feel pretty blessed in the Johnson household! For Thanksgiving, we had three healthy and happy girls. And, they all tried turkey! (Ava only ate whip cream last year!) It was a nice, calm Thanksgiving to remember…

After our rounds in the hospital, 4 Johnsons on medicine, and our share of sleepless nights, we finally made it to the holiday in good spirits. Aubree still has her share of wonderous nights, where mommy is up with her. But, it was wonderful to have three laughing and playful girls to brighten such a family spirited day.

We headed to Nana and Papa Petersen’s for the big meal. And, Nana put on her usual spread! Wonderful food. We got to spend time with our new newlywed couple, Danielle and Chris! And, we got some quality time with Papa, as he  has been traveling a lot, and the very next day he was headed to Amsterdam! We dearly missed  Auntie Autumn though.

The girls also got to experience the love of Grammie and Grandpi, who drove in for the holiday. Grammie just couldn’t wait until Christmas to see the three little pumpkins. So, love was all around the girls. (We missed Kelli and Dave too!)

We have many, many blessings and so much to be grateful for. It would be hard to capture it all in a blog posting. But, the look in each family member’s eyes said it all. Love. Happiness. Family. Friends. Good Health. Laughter. Wonderful memory making…

Our Little Pumpkins Ready for Turkey Day!

May I try some turkey please?

This is day is about food, who said I wouldn’t love it?

Ava feeling like a grown up! Cheers! (It’s cranberry juice, people!)

Turkey Tired

The best party…whip cream! (It’s the only thing she ate last year!)