Christmas at the Colliers

I finally got around to taking some pictures of our Christmas decorations this year.  I like to do this to share it with everyone as well as document for myself.
We got our tree from the Boy Scouts again this year, and still are not disappointed.  The kids had a blast decorating it and watching/helping them do it is one of my favorite parts about this time of year!

Putting the 1st ornament on the tree 

Nora did really well 

It's a family affair

So excited about the tree!

We have these little sparkly poof balls that you throw into the tree.  They were a fun tradition when I was a kid, we always wanted to keep taking them out the the tree and throw them in again.  So, when I found some, I bought them.  And my kids do the same...until they throw them too high and can't reach them anymore :).

Ethan, in action.  Look at the top, center of the picture.  There's a green one.

Up close on one.

Finally the star!

After everything else was done and in place, I went around taking pictures.  So, enjoy the virtual tour of Christmas decor at our house this year :).
I'll start outside first,

Now, inside:

Some of the flat surface ;)

Mantle and Christmas Tree, all lit up.  I love the look and feel of just the Christmas lights.

Nora and Ethan's 2013 ornaments
Nora gets the owl- she was an owl for Halloween
Ethan gets the fox- he loves to go around singing "What does the fox say?"

Some different angles of the tree and mantle and the dining room

My Nativity scene I got as Christmas gifts from my parents over several years.  I love it!

Ethan wanted to make some snowflakes today.  I showed him my way, and he had a way also.  He and Jared put together this 'Winter Art' paper.  This might have to come out every year as decoration.  I love it.  And I love that it says 'Art Winter'.  Makes me laugh every time I read it :).

One last photo...

Merry Christmas!!

T&L Christmas Party

Last night was the adult version of the Tate & Lyle Christmas party.  We got dressed up, got a sitter and headed out.  It was quite fun, actually.  I knew people this year!  I think I might have been pregnant with Ethan at the last one we attended.  {We're lame.}  The entertainment was dueling pianos.  They were very good, and comical at times.  There were also drawings for lots of really nice prizes, none of which we won :(.

A nice night out!

 There was also a photo booth.  It was fun, and we came home with this...

Children's Christmas Party

Monday night was the Tate & Lyle children's Christmas party.  They rented out the Children's Museum, had pizza and cookies for everyone and brought in Santa and Mrs. Claus!  Jared's company sure does know how to plan a good time!!  The kids had a great time!

Ethan is sliding across the floor here...trying to catch the puff ball that will come flying out the the wind tube.  They love this exhibit. 

His legs are finally long enough to reach the pedals on the skeleton bike!

The hospital nursery is where you can find Nora at the museum.  She loves to change their diapers and feed them :).

All smiles with Santa and Mrs. Claus! 

The adult Tate & Lyle Christmas party is Friday.  We are looking forward to a night out :)!

Thankful

This is a few days late, but everyday,  I'm thankful for the countless blessings in my life!  For my husband, my children, my parents, my in laws, my siblings, my church and so so much more!
We spent the Thanksgiving weekend in Salem, being with family and eating A LOT!

First up, the Collier Thanksgiving...a table full of goodness!!

Ethan and Nora, enjoying themselves.

Thanksgiving #2, more yummy food!

Paige, Ethan and Josiah

The grown-up table

Uncle Jim, took the kids out on the side by side for some rides through the woods!

Tyler, Ethan and Jim

Saturday morning, we went to see Frozen.  It was so good!!  And everyone enjoyed the popcorn!

Some {attempts at} Family Photos!

Basketball Party

To wrap up the kids basketball season, the coaches decided to have a party at the local Dairy Queen.  Jared (being one of the coaches) was given some funds to do something with for the basketball team, as an end of the season celebration.  We decided to order basketball medals and get together to hand them out.  Our DQ has a nice big play place too, so the kids had fun running off some energy.

Here are some pictures of our party.

Ethan getting his medal!

Ethan with a few teammates

After everyone got their medals, they put their hands in for one more "Roar!"
(Their team name was the Lions)

Ethan with his favorite coach

Showing off his new medal.  He loves it, and has already played several games in which he 'won' this medal.

Oh My...

I  usually know when my kids are getting into things they shouldn't, or being ornery by the quiet. This being said, I walked into Ethan's room this evening to see this...

 Yes, this is underwear...on their heads.

And, underwear all over the floor.

But they had a blast, and they weren't hurting themselves or anything else, so I grabbed the camera :).  They sure do keep me on my toes.

Golf

Ethan is taking golf class again this year at the DISC.  He loves it and is getting some good instruction!  Nora enjoys herself too!  She runs everywhere, putts on the green and carries as many golf balls that her arms can carry.

Working on the irons

Putting practice

Cute little golfer!

I think this guy was impressed :)

She could use some practice

Fire Station Field Trip

Yesterday, Nora and I joined Ethan's preschool class on their field trip to one of the Decatur Fire Stations.  It was a really great tour!  We saw everything from the basement weight room to the garage floor with all the trucks to their sleeping quarters.  The kids had so much fun!
I will apologize in advance for the poor quality of these pictures.  I took (and carried all through the fire station) my camera...with no memory card.  So, I had to use my phone.

Checking out the trucks!

They got to walk through the trucks

Ethan, along with most of his classmates, didn't really look at anything.  Just walked.

Nora...grabbed the flashlight and started shinning it around :)

Watching him put the fire gear on.

And then, they got to try on the hat!

"Keep Back"...this girl does her own thing!

Ethan's preschool class

Let it Snow!

It was November 11, and it was snowing!  Crazy!  It only amounted to about half an inch, but the kids were so excited when they woke up and saw the white ground.  "Go outside" were Nora's first words after looking out the window and Ethan could hardly get through breakfast.  So, we bundled up and went out for a while.  They had a blast and weren't ready to come inside.

I thought the first snow called for a cozy, warm dinner...

And homemade chocolate chip cookies :)!

Christmas PJ's just made my day complete!  I love this season!

Don't worry...I'm refraining from decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving.

A DQ Party

I decided that we would have a small party for Nora with our friends at our local Dairy Queen.  So, that's what we did for lunch on Friday!  Jared picked Ethan up from school and brought him and also stayed for lunch too.  My good friends, Jessica, Erin and Emily also came with their kiddos (the non school aged ones)!  The kids had a great time and Nora enjoyed the extra attention :).

We picked up some balloons on our way!

Playing and some of our guests!

Presents!

Admiring the Minnie birthday cake

And tasting some too

Happy 2nd Birthday, sweet girl!  We love you!!