Red and Green - another blessed year!

The crazy McDaniels' side :)

We have certainly had an amazing Christmas and break so far this year :) The weather has been wonderful and we've enjoyed being home to spend time together. Of course this time of year, the memories I have as a child growing up and traveling to Iowa each year stand out in my mind (and make me miss those loved ones that are gone that much more), I pray and hope that my children are already creating memories to last them a lifetime :)

Note from Grandpa Pete

As I browsed through my Christmas cards from last year, I came across this one. It made me smile and remember a wonderful man. Merry Christmas in Heaven, Grandpa! Love and miss you something terrible good. :)

Christmas cookies and cuddles

It's very rare that this little man sits still - glad we could capture at least one photo :)

Payton and cousin Olivia caroling :)

Dress-up at Grandma Rhonda's house.

And of course the annual Christmas cookie bake off :)

Happy Holidays!

Happy 7 years!

Here's to 70 more! Love you, Russell Curt McDaniels! :)

Early St. Nick

21 more days until Christmas Day!

We celebrated St. Nicholas early today, as tomorrow is Monday and we are in such a rush to get out on time anyway (you know the drill). Payton woke up around 8:00 and came upon the gifts under the tree, exclaiming, "Who left those for me?" Even in her loud excitement, Kale (and daddy) still managed to sleep in until 10:00!!! His excitement in opening his gifts wasn't necessarily for the gift, rather the tearing of the paper to get to the gift!

This afternoon we decorated the Christmas tree, took a nap (well, some of us) and enjoyed a lazy Sunday before the busyness of the week soon begins.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Payton displaying her excitement for having found the perfect tree!

Daddy cutting down the tree!

Payton really wanted this tree.....any guesses why? :)

The annual hunt for the perfect Christmas tree was quite successful last weekend at the Fulk Family Christmas Tree Farm! The wind was a bit undesirable again this year, so we opted to leave Mr. I-get-into-everything aka Kale at my parents house. Payton helped us on our hunt, along with Aunt Megan. She also enjoyed some hot chocolate and a little candy "can" (as she calls it) from her uncle Brian. The weather was nice enough to allow Russ to hang the outdoor lights and for us (the kids and I) to meet up with aunt Brooke and Olivia to take some Christmas pictures (previous post). Needless to say, we are ready and waiting for the white stuff to hit the ground!