The Schafer Family Tree Outing 2010

We traveled a short 4 miles to our favorite tree farm for our tree cutting excursion. IT WAS FREEZING! We bundled up Mati (she was happy), we took a tractor ride to the drop-off spot (she was happy), we said "Hello" to the reindeer (she was happy), we walked in the very cold wind to find our tree (she was not happy.) We made our tree selection in record time then high-tailed it back to warmth. We were able to catch a few good pictures though.

Trying to get all of our faces through the tree. Believe it or not, this is the best shot.

Mati trying to climb in to the reindeer cage.

We found it! Doug starts the cutting process.

Mati really wanted to pull the tree wagon; she just can't quite figure out how to do it.

Mati and Doug, proud of the tree!

Mati and I thinking, "Wow, its cold!"

The finished product. Mati helping decorate after her bath. We have a device that you step on to turn the lights off and on... she loves it! And so far she insists if she's around the lights must be on.

The Light Parade

This is really a wonderful community in which to live. What a great holiday kick-off party this was. We started downtown at the Giant Santa and his mailbox to drop off Mati's letter to the North Pole, we heard the Santa band play, saw the tree lighting, then watched the light parade. It was a great time! Very cold, but a great time!

Mati and Doug heading up the stairs to the big mailbox.

Blurry picture of Mati & Doug but the giant Santa looks good.

So proud! Heading down the stairs after dropping off her letter.

Family photo with Giant Santa.

Staying warm in the wagon with Carter.

My favorite float! A balloon team loaded the trailer with hot air balloon baskets and hit the burners. The light was really cool to see, the heat was AWESOME!

The Lions' Club airplanes.

This fish is made from recycled products like detergent bottles and styrofoam.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Mati has been reciting the alphabet, counting to fourteen, and singing lately. Of course, when I reach for the video camera she stops. I finally caught her. Here is Mati's version of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Her slipper fell off at the end so she got distracted at the finish but she sings most of it.

Halloween

Year two of our drive to Hudsonville/GR for Halloween. We will probably not be able to do this when Halloween falls on a weeknight so this was our last trip for a while. We started at Aunt Denise's house for a family visit and delicious chicken dinner. Then off to GR for trick-or-treating with the little cousins.

Andrew (Jail bird), Aly (Ladybug), Morgan (Tinkerbell), Dean (Spiderman) and Mati (Little Red Riding Hood.)

Mati with Doug skipping along.

Picking out candy and very daintily choosing only one.

Mati and me; one of the few "hood up" photos.

No interest in heading home even though it was getting late.

Family photo before trick-or-treating.

Stepping out with her Halloween card from Grandma & Grandpa.