Trim the Tree

Tonight before bed we got our tree decorated. Shawn had set it up yesterday morning and we had intentions of trimming it yesterday, but Carly got sick and it changed our plans. But 24 hours later, she's doing much better and pretty much back to herself again. She was running around with Isaac a little before bed and even tried on some dress up clothes--which lately seems to be her usual routine before bed. So I guess those are good signs that we're headed back to normal.
Once the ornaments were up on the tree, Shawn left for work. After Shawn left, Isaac went to bed. Carly had a huge nap this afternoon so I let her stay up a little later than usual. After the house was calm and quiet we settled down on the couch next to the Christmas tree and read The Polar Express. This is the first year she has been patient enough to sit through the whole thing. About half way through the book, Lee came in to tell us that is was snowing. It couldn't have gotten much better. I mean picture it: cuddled up on the couch in pj's, reading The Polar Express by the light of the Christmas tree, and soft snow falling outside the nearby window. The only extra touches we could have used would have been a crackling fireplace and maybe a cup of hot chocolate. But seriously, does it get much better than that?
I've been wanting to read The Polar Express to Carly for a long time now. When I was pregnant with her, the apartment we were living in had a fireplace and mantle. I remember decorating for Christmas and putting the book up on the mantle. I was looking forward to reading it with our baby one day, so it was nice to finally share this neat story with her.

Here are some pictures I took of our trimming party tonight.

Carly couldn't quite reach the top

So Daddy helped

the onlookers watching from below