The Boehm Family Tree 2014

 We ventured out to get our Christmas tree on a cold, rainy Saturday.

We went to the same tree farm we visited last year, Enchanted Winds, which is just down the road from our house.  Ryan was adamant about this.

Thankfully, the pouring rain didn't bring our spirits down!  We had a great time searching for the perfect tree.  Kendall was VERY particular about the tree she wanted.  We had a short stand-off. Ryan found a tree he liked, but Kendall didn't.  Ryan wasn't budging and stood guard by his tree for 10 minutes while Kendall and her dad went in search of something better.  I really didn't think it was going to end well.

Kendall found two great trees that she liked, and thankfully Ryan liked one of them too!  Whew!

Natalie could have cared less about the tree, and was happy doing ballet spins off the stumps and impressing us all with her balance.

I think she is confused as to what holiday it is.

Walking in a rainy wonderland.

The First Batch

After painting, the girls helped me make the first batch of Christmas sugar cookies.  They love to help bake (and taste). 

Kendall is always the best helper while the photo evidence shows that Natalie is only there for sampling.

It was just a little taste.

Mmmm.Mmmm...that was delicious.

Kendall: "Now you have to go wash your hands again, Natalie".

I wonder how this flour tastes?
Kendall's expression is so Kendall, "you're not supposed to be doing that Natalie".

Now, she's brushing the spilled mixture into her hands. 

Yay!  That was delicious!
Kendall:  "I don't think I was supposed to do that". 

These two make our days so much fun!

Painting in Progress

Kendall had her mind set on painting today, so that is what we did!

She wanted to make a picture of the North Pole for Santa.  I helped draw the scene and she painted it to perfection.

Natalie wanted to join in too, so she painted a Christmas tree.

I love the days when they want to get crafty!

Girls In Unison

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Kendall and Natalie, until Kendall realizes I'm capturing it on video.

Going to Church

Ryan went to a birthday sleepover on Friday so was gone all day and night.  I found it fascinating that the girls played like sisters should the entire time he was gone.  There usually is arguing and fighting about something, but not this night.  They had the best time playing "house" and coming up with different adventures to go on.

Here they are at "church".  They even bundled up in boots and scarves to go! 

I LOVE when their imaginations take over. 

Let the Decorating Begin

The first decoration the kids always beg to put up first is the ceramic tree.  This tree is very special to David as it was his Grandma Sue's.  It's very special to all of us now and we love that it will shine all day and night at our house through the holidays. 

Happy Birthday Gina!

My sister Gina is one year closer to 40 today!

An impromptu video greeting leads to hilarious results.  Natalie is so honest!

Happy Birthday Dear Sister!  We love you!