12-16, Christmas Preparations

Yes, it is that time of year again.  I just can't believe how fast 2011 has flown by.  This time last year, we were decorating our townhouse on Fort Meade, getting ready to close on our house in Colorado, and preparing for our move in January.  Some days I feel like we've been in Colorado a long time with the new friends we've made and how we've settled into our home, but other days I feel as if the moving van has just arrived and I'm still trying to remember our new phone number.  No matter how we look at it though, we are happy here.  We love  Colorado.  We love our new home.  We love our neighborhood and new friends.  The best way I can say it is that "Colorado fits".  Here's a little peek at our Christmas decorations and preparations.  This post is specifically for Sven's mom.  We're sad that she won't be able to join us this Christmas as has become tradition.  We thought maybe with all these photos she'd feel like she's here with us afterall.  And to my side of the family, we're keeping our fingers crossed that you make it here safely!  We're all ready for you!!

Abby's first encounter with Christmas decorations.  She has good taste--
that's the tree skirt Grandma G. made for us many years ago.  Miss you, Grandma!!

What an adorable face.  She's in her pouncing position
on the stairs where passersby become easy targets.

So pretty.....

"What?  What is this?  Why is there a tree in the house?  Is this MY water bowl?"

Abby needed a nap after all the craziness and trouble
she got into when we were putting up the Christmas decorations.

This is what happens when you don't warn the subject to
sit very still because you're using a slow shutter speed!

Nikolas loves his kitty.

We have the real tree in the front living room and decided to put the
fake tree in the living room where we spend most of our time.
'And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.....'.
Watch your bottom though, Santa, that fire is hot!

Getting ready to put the lights on the tree.

The finished tree.

Is that festive or what?!

Sven's been working weekends for the past few months.  This gave Nikolas and I the opportunity to spend hours (and I do mean HOURS-- 13!) making and decorating sugar cookies.  Thank you, Pie in the Sky, for the successful, high-altitude recipe!  Yum!  When I asked Nikolas if he was excited to make cookies he said, "Yes......but I wish (Atlanta) Grandma was here!  I like making cookies with her!!"  Me, too, Nikolas, me, too.

Really.....I was not exaggerating when I said 13 hours.....

 A few holiday decorations to get you in the spirit.....

I couldn't let Cadi's stocking remain in the box this year.
Still missing my kitty.  =(

This idea was given to me by a new friend and neighbor.
This is how they make advent calendars for their kids.
What a cute, easy idea!

She may look innocent, but she is all trouble!  Once, she actually jumped/fell off
this upper level landing to the main floor!  She did this when she was just a few
months old and scared the jeebers out of me!

We love hearing from friends and family this time of year.
Thank you for thinking of us!  We're thinking of you, too!