Our First "Real" Christmas Tree

November 24, 2007-- Whispering Pines Farm: Danville, Indiana

It was 27 degrees and windy but, it was worth it to ride the tractor out to the field and cut down our first "real" Christmas Tree together as a family....Jason was prepared with the chainsaw in the trunk..luckily we didn't get it out b/c it only took a little hand saw :-) I know the pics aren't very centered Grandpa Jeff but, we were FREEZING!

The kids were prepared to catch their treasured tree and it went the only place they weren't standing....

Taylor and Gracie actually working "together"

Here we are enjoying the tractor ride back for some Hot Cholcolate to warm us up. Here we are set to leave...The Durango in it's 10th year and the guy tying our tree up says "that has a nice RUMBLE to it"....good grief....

We hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and we look forward to seeing you all on Christmas Day!

Tractor Drivers FOR HIRE...Services Not guaranteed straight or complete!

Ben and William..."I have an idea...let's dump all the toys out and just sit in the basket together"...oh what fun these two have together:-)
Ben hard at work raking Great-Grandma Shirley's leaves...

This one supplied by the late Great-Grandpa Burdine...We store it at Great-Grandma Shirley's and J decided to get it out for them yesterday....2 and 3 year old tractor drivers FOR HIRE!

Tay and Gracie in the "short"

Gracie got hers first and then Taylor decided she was done with ponytails and wanted hair to keep her neck warm this winter....Here they are two "bobs"...and good ole' Ben with his Buzz :-)

Where, Oh Where, is the Music Teacher?!

Here they perform "City of New Orleans"

Taylor and her friends Annika and Ashlee were announcers...this means they came out before each scene and told us what was going to happen and sang a couple of songs....

Gracie and Ben trying to be as supportive as a 3 and 2 year old can be....they lasted about 85 of the 120 minute play! Luckily, Grandma and Grandpa hung in there for the entire performance..

Taylor and the other Announcers singing "Give My Regards To Broadway"...These girls worked very hard with rehearsals before and after school and i think it paid off with a wonderful performance by all.

Grandma Becky and Papa Jeff's Annual Fall Party

Papa Jeff and his co-driver Ben trying to learn the route..

Aunt Jill and Ty cheesing it up for the camera...and what nice cheeses they are...

The band was very entertaining...we'll look forward to seeing them again next year...

Taylor, Noah and Aunt Lori...the balloons were another accidental hit! Has anyone seen Noah's hat-it's MIA!

"Witchy"Grandma Becky and Family friend Vicki..enjoying the awesome food..

Mom and Ben enjoying the "farewell hayride"...

Noah, Taylor, Gracie and Ben's favorite part of the party....Hayrides!
We hope to see everyone again next year!

Trick or Treat

We had a busy Halloween...With daddy in Texas, Gracie recovering from Double Pink Eye and Tay with the School Musical the next day it was a short, but fun night! It is so fun for the kids to dress up... Ashlee, Taylor, Gracie and Ben got their fair share for sure, though.

Danielle (Princess Fiona), William (Shrek), Dan (dad) Nicholas (Tigger),Taylor (Hannah Montana), Ashlee (pirate princess), Gracie (witch), Benjamin (dinosaur)
Amy, Myka and Jack (neighbors)
Gracie got tired quick so she had fun helping Grandma Becky pass out the treats!
You can see why she tired quickly!
Too much candy creates mermaid and merman..instead of sleeping toddlers.