Christmas Decorations Before Christmas

We went all-in on decorating before Thanksgiving. Last year was just so stressful that we barely got the tree up in time before Santa showed up. That won't be the problem this year!

Ryker played his first game of the season and did well. He had a breakaway opportunity but the goalie made a good stop. He is getting pretty fast on the straight sprints, and ran down two or three break opportunities for the other team.

We stopped at Arby's after his game and he tried mixing the sauces to create the perfect sauce.

Rock took a slapshot to the thigh and ended up with an awesome bruise.

He had two scrimmages up in Winthrop on the outdoor rink and had a blast.

We spent the next day making cider at the shed. Lucy was not impressed.

But, from the looks of it, neither was Jama.

DeA does not like cider day, and participated by taking nap when it was over.

I don't know how she sleeps like that...

Leo Elf came by to share in the holiday cheer.

England Family Christmas Tree

DeA has dreamt of a big Christmas tree ever since we decided to build the new house. Last year, time got away from us and we had to buy a tree from the lot 10 days before Christmas. She, nor the kids, were willing to let that happen again and insisted that we spend Veteran's Day looking for the perfect tree. 

Her exact words were "that's the tree I want!" That thing wouldn't fit in a gymnasium. 

It was fun to be out in the trees and snow.

Rock with a 20" machete, what could go wrong?

We found the tree and took turns trying to saw it down.

Some were more willing than others to get under the branches and into the trunk.

We packed a bunch of MREs, in honor of Veteran's Day, and had a delicious lunch.

DeA likes to smash her face into mine when we take pictures, she thinks that it makes her face smaller.

Jens wanted to take pictures of us "posing like a couple".

All of the excitement and new smells was a lot for Leo to handle. He was pretty exhausted.

What a good looking tree!

 

Halloween and Hockey and Soccer

DeA, Leo and I were going to go with a beach theme to Halloween. Leo didn't like being the mean shark.

Or, maybe he didn't like being stuck in the bed of the truck instead of running around with the kids.

What a scary shark

I tried to get DeA to dress in her swimsuit to complete the beach theme, but she seemed to feel strongly against it.

Not pictued: four Spidermans and one big dog.

Oh, there's a Spiderman.

There was a lot of candy brokering going on.

We forgot that I had ordered carnitas for a local fundraiser and were pleasantly surprised with a delicious dinner!

Dad needed helpers for the community candy drop, the boys and I happily volunteered. 

Dad took Jens and Rissa's boys on a quick trip. Leo wouldn't stop talking into his mic the whole flight.

Rissa had to make things complicated, so she gave birth to Luka Baby.

Hockey is back and going in full force! Here is Rock taking the face off.

Newborns are pretty boring, they just poop and spit up on you.

Jens' last game was a muddy mess, just the way she liked it.

Grandma was making some delicious pizza, and Leo Boy wanted everyone to come watch it bake with him.

Sweet DeA with baby Luka