Photo Dump Wednesday: Tis the season

I love this time of year. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Not only is it a reminder of the precious gift we received in the form of Jesus Christ but it is also a reminder of childhood memories, time with loved ones and showing love to those around us. 

While I am a Christian, I often find that even those who don't believe in God often like to celebrate the holidays. There's just something about the positivity around this time that is contagious.

As I get older, making memories for our family to treasure over time has become more important to me. 

I haven't had a chance to do a mommy/daughter selfie in a while so here's some for you. 

I love that JAE now smiles when I say "selfie time!" Truth be told, I think she likes to see herself on the screen when I'm taking a picture :-D.

The Friday after Thanksgiving, we once again embarked on our family annual tradition to go see the lights at a local park. It was so nice. The kids were both asleep when we got there but JAE and JOE woke up about 1/2 way through so they were able to enjoy the lights as well. 

I love this one of Glenda from Wizard of Oz.

Can you tell who these characters are?

I was so glad JOE especially was able to see this one because every week when I take down the braid in her hair, she walks around shaking it and says "mom, look! I am sapunzel!" She means Rapunzel but you catch my drift. :-)
On a side note though, I don't know how I feel about her calling me "mom." I had gotten used to "momma." 

Every year, the owner of this house puts up A TON of lights in their front yard. I love driving by to see what they have set up. This year, they even added Elsa! I mean, these folks are spending a small fortune on the lights and the electricity bill but it brings me joy to go see it so I count it as their way of blessing others :-).

We decided to tackle our decorations. It took forever to get this tree completed as well as to put the train around it. We had a train when I was growing up and this year, J and I both agreed to get one. JOE was able to help us with the decorations at the bottom of the tree and JAE helped us by ensuring we stayed busy :-D. It was a team effort.

Because JAE can now go up the stairs, I didn't want to do the same thing I did last year. So this year, I wanted something that would not impede her and/or scratch her as she continues to explore.

This Christmas village was a new addition to our collection and I love it. The nutcrackers use to be set up in front of our fireplace but with JAE moving around, we had to put it up. I actually like it better here.

Last year, I had the ornaments hanging directly from the chandelier. This year, I wanted something a little different so I added a garland and hung the ornaments from them instead. 

Even our clock got a bow :-).

There was also a tree lighting ceremony at our local shopping center. J and I decided to take the girls to go see it and it was fun. Until JOE decided she was done and JAE kept trying to get the free hot chocolate we got. 

J and his girls. JOE didn't want to take a picture so she turned around. And JAE was not happy that I wouldn't let her have any hot chocolate hence the face. These girls just have so much personality!

She finally turned around but said she won't smile. 

They did a count down and lite the tree. It was very cool. They gave everyone 3D glasses. After the lite, you could see special characters on the tree with the aid of the glasses.

I made this wreath while JAE slept and J was putting up some decorations outside. Our outside decor isn't complete yet so I'll wait to post those pictures next week. 

I have primarily been wearing buns in my hair for the last couple of weeks. Its just so much easier for me. 
Loving the big smiles in the next few pictures. 

Like I said earlier, I love this time of year and am looking forward to making more memories with our little ones. 

How are you spending your holiday season? Do you go all out and decorate both inside and outside your home or do you limit it to just inside or avoid decorating altogether?