our lights are up and our christmas cards are sent.

i forget how much fun ice skating is.

Last weekend we went for a friend's birthday party. I am excited to go again with my family soon. Have you been to the newly renovated Gallivan Center? We were really impressed!

last weekend we went shooting with josh's family. plus one.

need some christmas activity ideas?

On my sister's blog, she shares a printable PDF of Christmas time activities to stuff in an advent calendar, or just a mason jar. I love the idea of just picking something every day to live up the Christmas spirit even more!

Check out her full post here.

a little festival of trees date night.

Josh and I went on a little date to the Festival of Trees last night. I love how Christmasy it feels there and what a great event it is. Josh really wants to do a tree to donate next year. 

We especially liked the Up tree, of course…

josh's childhood tree, thanks to his sweet dad.

Last night we pulled out one of the many boxes filled with Josh's childhood memories saved and given to him when we got our house, by his sweet father. This box contained old ornaments and Christmas decorations! We were so excited, because we hardly had any ornaments…so this year's tree is filled with memories from Josh's growing up (and a few of the ones we received together). It was so fun to see his face light up as we pulled them out! We are so grateful to his dad for preserving such sweet little memories and giving them to us to enjoy together! 

Our house is starting to feel pretty Christmas-y and I LOVE IT!

trees, lights, and beards.

I love this season.