we know it's Christmas

when we're dressed like trees:


we make wish lists instead of to-do lists:


lucy is allowed to play with markers in order to check it twice!


we find mailboxes for the north pole:


we also know it's christmas when wade is now unable to make it home in time for dinner {thanks to the looming busy season} but Joseph and a shephard are there to keep us company:


and this year, our tree has both new ornaments:


and our cherished old ones:


some of my favorite things about this time of year are the handmade gifts that come home from school:




and treats show up in our mailbox {I think this should continue year-round by the way}:


and of course, we return the favor to our friends with "reindeer hugs":



and speaking of friends, there is just nothing better than covering my doors with christmas cards. I hung the ones with dogs at the bottom because my children absolutely love to look at them:


and..............pull them down.


so time is winding down and our advent calendars are almost complete:


so from our family to yours. Merry Christmas.