Getting Closer

Our ottoman finally arrived! Pair that with our new coffee and end tables (thanks Dad and Mom) and the living room is really starting to come together. All that's left to find is a stylish entertainment center, orange area rug, paint on the walls and some additional art and we'll be set. But so far, so good, right?

Winter Wonderland. Yes, I said it.

Last Saturday we went to the cabin for a night. On Sunday before heading home we took a quick trip to the local ski resort to see what the crowds were like. Chad's been to the dry slopes in the summer but hasn't seen it bustling with people in the winter. And now Chad is desperate to try snowboarding. So we're going to give it a go. Next week, to be exact.

Stars

This year for Christmas I made star ornaments for the women and girls in our family. I stitched a combination of new and vintage buttons to the front of the felt stars. The vintage buttons are from my great grandmother's collection. I'm happy with how they turned out.

Chad won an Emmy!

In August Chad was awarded an Emmy for his coverage of the Esperanza Fire in Southern California. He's been secretive about it but I couldn't be prouder! It finally arrived in the mail yesterday and here's a picture of him after he opened it last night.

Christmas Decor

Last Sunday we put out our Christmas decorations around the house. There are some in the dining room, living room, front window and door, kitchen and breakfast nook. Here's a sample of how festive our home is now.

Christmas Tree Cutting

Our second annual tradition for the season is cutting down a Christmas tree. We went to an historic tree farm and had fun finding the perfect tree. The one we found is 6 feet tall, bushy, and perfect for our home. Here's Chad working hard to saw it down.

Christmas Tree Lane

Chad and I started a couple new traditions this season, the first being our "annual" Christmas Tree Lane stroll. We walked four miles along a historic street with huge beautiful homes all decorated for the season. It was cold, but coffee and lots of clothes helped warm us up.

Decorations

Christmas is around the corner and if you don't believe me, come drive on my street. Over the weekend the residents in our neighborhood decorated their homes with lights, reindeer, snowmen, wooden signs, snowflakes and more. So much more. Clark Griswold, eat your heart out.

As you can see, Chad and I took the understated approach this year.

Mantel

This isn't exactly what I want for our mantel but it's getting there. I figured I'd put up a photo of what I have so far before we decorate for Christmas this weekend. Of course it'll look a million times nicer with new paint, but that's a project for another month.

Stained

This past weekend Chad stained our fence. All of it. Two coats. He worked super hard for two days and I think you'll agree, the mess was worth it. Now we match the neighbors, or at least don't stick out, and have protected wood for the next year or two.