Christmas Time is Here

Our tree is up! All lit up and decorated. A perfect display of holiday cheer.
This is happiness.
Together, Jared and I have trimmed seven Christmas Trees. Seven years of tradition and memories made around a little tree. And two with our Little Bird. This year has been my favorite. This year, she really got it.
Words that came to mind as I looked into her eyes that night-- joy, peace, hope, merry, goodness, Heavenly, glory, bright... The kind of stuff Christmas is made of. Oh, the joy that comes with a little one this time of year...well it's just too, too good. 

She waited patiently while Jared wrapped the tree in lights...

With each ornament we took out, she made the cutest "ooOOooh" sound ever. I'd like to add it to our Christmas playlist. Right between Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole.

She helped.
Sometimes carefully hanging ornaments on branches. Sometimes eagerly throwing them into the tree to see where they'd land. That's our girl.

She was so proud.

Jared's mom was here too. I quietly looked on as she watched her grand baby experiencing the joy of this season. Reliving, I'm sure so many treasured memories of Christmas tree decorating when Jared and Jess were little.

I'm surprised I was able to take a picture of this. I was so close to crying. Our girl and her daddy. The Christmas star, as ugly as it may be.  

Again, happiness.

After the last ornament was put in it's place, we made a pillow fort and Emerson watched March of the Wooden Soldiers, for the very first time.

Let the Holiday Cheer begin.