Christmas Train

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we loaded up a few family members and headed off to the Christmas Train in Jamestown. Robbie, Grammie, Aunt Sue, Reghan, the cousins and I all headed up the hill to ride a train with Santa. It was a good day. The weather was wonderful (much to my surprise). Reghan did not like Santa and would not let him get too close to her. She was amazed at how big the train was and actually began to fall asleep during the ride. I think the rocking of the train car was soothing to her. After the ride we spent the afternoon in Jamestown. I think we might make this a new tradition for our family.

Christmas Trees Finally!

Well, I finally did it! I finished decorating all of my Christmas trees and the house. It only took me about three solid days to get it all done. My hands are cut and rough now because I had to "fluff" three fake trees and greens for the chandelier. I am beginning to think my Martha Stewart days are over.

About a month ago I put up all of the trees because Reghan was driving me crazy asking for Christmas. I put them up with the intention of decorating them then, but never got to it. So, on Friday night I started the process of fluffing. This took me about six hours to get them all done. I also had to re-string the medium tree because 11 out of the 12 strands of lights were broken. I began to cut all of the old lights out and four hours later found myself done with that step. Then, the decorating began. . . I had assistance. . .a two-year-old. I don't recommend decorating multiple trees with a two-year-old helper. Next year I think I will wait until she is asleep to decorate. Seven hours later I was FINALLY done with all of the decorating including the chandelier and fireplace. Now, I am exhausted.

You may ask why do I do this...I am beginning to think I am completely nuts. I think next year the "magic" of Christmas may be found in only one tree with minimal decorations. For those who know me well know that I will do the same thing next year. Yes, because I am nuts. I have to admit that there were many times during my crazy decorating process that I wanted to take the medium and small tree and throw them into the pool. Now that it is all done, I love it. What makes it even better is to see the amazement in Reghan's eyes and on her face every time she looks at them. It was all worth it. I hope you have better luck with your decorations.

Tree #1 (the original) 9 feet tall

Tree #2 (The new one) Colored lights because Reghan loves them (I don't) 7 1/2 feet tall

Tree #3 (The little one) 2 1/2 feet tall (I love it because it only took 5 minutes to decorate)

The two big ones together lit and with the room lights out

The fireplace is all ready for "Santa".

The chandelier is all done and is my favorite part. Just call me Martha!